According to a report by Madrid Universal on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Jose Mourinho has started assessing the key tactical challenges facing his revamped Real Madrid squad after weeks of preparation for the new season. One of his biggest dilemmas could be finding a way to accommodate two of the club’s most creative players.

Mourinho has been impressed by the development of young talents Mario Rivas and Alex Ciria, but his main focus remains on creating the strongest possible first-team setup. With six new players already arriving, the Portuguese manager faces several selection decisions.

According to MARCA, one of the most significant challenges involves Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler. Mourinho wants both players in the starting lineup because their different qualities could provide Madrid with greater creativity and attacking variety.

However, the club has a wealth of attacking talent, with Yan Diomande, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe also expected to play key roles. Finding space for all of them without compromising the team's overall balance could prove difficult.

Bellingham brings powerful movement from the No. 10 position and frequently makes dangerous runs into the penalty area. Guler, meanwhile, offers excellent close control and can drift into wider areas to create opportunities.

Combining the two could give Madrid another dimension in attack. Bellingham’s movement could create space for Mbappe, Vinicius and Diomande, while Guler’s technical ability could help the team break down compact defensive structures.

One potential solution would be to leave Diomande out of the starting lineup and allow Guler to operate from a wider position alongside Vinicius, with Mbappe leading the attack. Bellingham could then take up the attacking midfield role in Mourinho’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

Another option would be to move Bellingham deeper into a double-pivot midfield role. However, doing so would place greater defensive demands on the England international.

Mourinho therefore faces a delicate tactical balancing act as he attempts to get the best out of both Bellingham and Guler while ensuring Real Madrid remain structurally sound.