An idea begins to take shape

Real Madrid's preseason is not only serving as preparation for the 2026/27 campaign. It is also gradually revealing the structure José Mourinho intends to build during his new spell in charge of Los Blancos.

After another preseason test against Ferencváros, the Portuguese coach offered one of the biggest clues about his project: he intends to work with a reduced squad of approximately 20 players.

Two players for practically every position

Real Madrid's squad depth currently allows Mourinho to have at least two options for practically every position.

In goal, Thibaut Courtois is the first choice, backed up by Andriy Lunin, while competition at full-back is even greater with names such as Marc Cucurella, Álvaro Carreras, Denzel Dumfries, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ferland Mendy.

The situation is even tighter at center-back. Following the arrival of Ibrahima Konaté, Raúl Asencio appears to be the fifth available central defender, a situation that could significantly reduce his playing time and increase the possibility of a departure.

An especially intense battle in midfield

Competition is no less fierce in the middle of the pitch.

Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga and Thiago are all options for the two positions in the double pivot, giving Mourinho plenty of alternatives but also some difficult decisions when it comes to distributing playing time.

Further forward, Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler appear to be two of the main options for the team's creative role.

An attack packed with alternatives

The attacking positions offer even more possibilities.

Vinicius Jr. appears to be the main option on the left, while Rodrygo could return to his usual position once he completes his recovery.

On the opposite flank, Yan Diomande and Brahim Díaz are competing for minutes, with Endrick and even Federico Valverde available as alternatives in certain scenarios.

At center forward, Kylian Mbappé remains the team's main goalscoring reference, with Gonzalo Espí and Endrick also among the possible options for the position.

Injuries could change every plan

Real Madrid have dealt with numerous physical problems over the past few seasons, and Mourinho has already had to contend with fitness concerns and injuries involving players such as Dean Huijsen, Raúl Asencio and Thiago, in addition to the physical situations of Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo.

Therefore, although the Portuguese coach appears determined to build a more compact squad, the coming weeks will be decisive in determining who ultimately forms part of that core group and who could be pushed down the pecking order or seek a move elsewhere.