Jose Mourinho plans limited midfield starts for Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is expected to limit simultaneous starts for Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni in the club's midfield this season. Journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon indicates that Valverde holds a tactical advantage, as the coach identified the player as essential to his plans during contract discussions upon returning to the Santiago Bernabéu. While Tchouameni remains part of the long-term squad, the club recently extended his contract until 2031, signaling his continued role within the team. Mourinho currently possesses a variety of midfield profiles, suggesting his selection will likely fluctuate based on specific opponents and tactical requirements rather than a fixed starting partnership. Both players will rotate according to the match situation, preventing a consistent tandem in the center of the field for the upcoming campaign.

• 8:20 AMYahoo Sports — Report: Mourinho ‘won’t start’ Valverde and Tchouameni together regularly at Real Madrid