Real Madrid manager José Mourinho is preparing a crucial defensive shuffle for the upcoming LaLiga EA Sports fixture against Real Sociedad, with defender Marc Cucurella pushing for a spot in the starting lineup.
Defensive Adjustments and the Battle at Right-Back
Courtois is a guaranteed starter in goal for Real Madrid, anchoring a backline that could feature a pair of changes on the outside flanks. The primary tactical dilemma centers on the right-back position. Mourinho intends to harness the Dutch defender’s physical power alongside Cucurella’s trademark intensity to ensure both defensive solidity and attacking depth during high-press sequences.
Midfield Balance and Bellingham’s Advanced Role
In the engine room, Mourinho is expected to rely on the established double pivot of Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva. The technical staff wants the Uruguayan midfielder to supply muscle, box-to-box running, and tactical balance, while the Portuguese playmaker is tasked with dictating tempo and maintaining possession control. Positioned just ahead of them will be Jude Bellingham. The managerial directive for the England international remains clear: he is deployed as an advanced central attacking midfielder rather than dropping deep to initiate build-up play. This structure places Bellingham in close proximity to the opposing penalty area.
Attacking Formation and Projected Lineup
The attacking trident completes the tactical shape, with Arda Güler deployed on the right flank and Vinícius Júnior operating down the left. At the spearhead of the attack, Kylian Mbappé serves as the central reference point, given positional freedom to roam and combine with both Vinícius and Bellingham. Based on recent training sessions and tactical setups, the projected Real Madrid starting lineup for the clash against Real Sociedad is expected to feature Courtois in goal; Trent or Dumfries, Huijsen, Konaté, and Cucurella across the defense; Valverde and Bernardo Silva anchoring the midfield; with Arda Güler, Bellingham, and Vinícius supporting Mbappé in attack.
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