Mourinho already has his new holding midfielder. It is not Rodri, but it is a player who understands the role perfectly: Bernardo Silva (32), who made his first start since reportedly joining Mourinho's squad 10 days ago.
With midfield options in short supply, the Madrid coach opted to start the Portuguese in a double pivot alongside Camavinga. Bernardo occupied that role throughout the first half against Deportivo, completing 40 of 40 passes, making three recoveries and not losing possession once. He was not spectacular, but he offered exactly what was required from a defensive midfielder: composure on the ball, control of possession and the technical quality to launch attacks from deep.
After the break, Mourinho switched to a 4-4-2, with the former Manchester City player moving to the left side of midfield, while Valverde and Camavinga formed the central base and Dumfries operated on the right. The presence of an extra midfielder gave Bernardo greater freedom; he became more involved in possession and was seen much closer to the opposition penalty area.
Although he started the second half as an inside midfielder and finished it in a more advanced attacking role, the coaching staff's plan is for Bernardo to remain part of the double pivot, as Real Madrid has no intention of entering the market for that type of midfielder. The only scenario in which the club would consider signing a replacement would be if an offer arrived for Camavinga and the Frenchman agreed to leave.
As things stand, and with no midfield signing expected, Bernardo has emerged as one of the leading candidates to anchor the base of the 4-2-3-1 Mourinho is shaping for the new season.
In his first start in the role he was paired with Camavinga, but there are several alternatives. Valverde, Tchouaméni, Thiago and even Arda Güler could all partner Bernardo in the double pivot. And who knows? The Portuguese may have arrived in that position to stay.
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