Jose Mourinho's Untouchables Revealed

Real Madrid's squad planning ahead of the new season is coming into focus. According to Diario AS, head coach Jose Mourinho has identified six players whose starting spots are effectively locked in, barring injury or a drop in form: Thibaut Courtois in goal, new signing Marc Cucurella at left-back, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham in midfield, and Vinicius Jr alongside Kylian Mbappe up front.

According to the report, Courtois remains the undisputed No. 1 goalkeeper, delivering remarkably reliable performances even at this stage of his career. Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid this summer, is said to have overtaken Alvaro Carreras as the club's first-choice left-back following his outstanding World Cup performances. In midfield, Valverde's energy and defensive contribution is described as foundational to Mourinho's system, while Bellingham is expected to occupy the advanced attacking role he thrived in during the World Cup.

Up front, the positions of Mbappe and Vinicius are described as beyond dispute — the Frenchman leading the line as centre-forward, with the Brazilian on his preferred left flank. Outside these six names, competition remains fierce for the remaining spots, particularly at right-back and centre-back, with the battle between Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right-back role drawing particular attention.

Source: Diario AS