Mourinho’s Real Madrid Built Around Five Untouchable Starters
José Mourinho has clearly defined his “untouchables” at Real Madrid, and the evidence is visible in the team’s opening matches. Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Thibaut Courtois are the only five players to start every game under the Portuguese manager this season. These five footballers form the foundation upon which Mourinho is constructing his new-look Real Madrid side.
Consistency Contrasts With Previous Season
All five players carry the status of undisputed starters, making bench appearances the exception rather than the rule. The situation differs markedly from last season at this stage, when Bellingham was still recovering from a shoulder injury and Vinícius alternated between starting and substitute roles. Under Mourinho, the campaign has progressed smoothly without setbacks or surprises, with the quintet anchoring five victories in the first six matches.
Mbappé’s Explosive Start Chases Ronaldo’s Record
The standout performer is Kylian Mbappé, who has opened the season with a remarkable scoring rate: seven goals in six appearances. If maintained, this average could see the French forward reach 100 goals for Real Madrid in just over two seasons. He currently sits seven goals shy of that milestone. Cristiano Ronaldo, the inevitable benchmark for Mbappé, achieved the same tally in his third campaign, reaching the mark on November 2—a date Mbappé has reportedly circled on his calendar as a personal target to match the Portuguese legend’s scoring prowess.
Vinícius Awaits Peak Form But Delivers Defensively
Vinícius is still searching for his best attacking form, registering just one La Liga goal and three assists so far. The Brazilian has lacked the sharpness and finishing accuracy typically expected of him. However, this offensive deficit has not diminished the aspect of his game that drew the most criticism at the Bernabéu: collective work rate. Against Inter, Vinícius produced a committed defensive display, recording nine recoveries—a figure no Madrid attacker had posted in over a decade. Mourinho has already warned that the winger will return to top form in a big way.
Bellingham Thrives in Natural Position
Jude Bellingham has exceeded expectations. The Englishman was a major talking point after his seven-goal World Cup campaign, which clarified his natural habitat as a player operating behind the striker. Mourinho has repositioned him there, having been crystal clear that he did not want to see Jude operating almost as a “double left-back”—a role that exhausted him and pulled him away from his primary zone of influence in and around the penalty area. Back in his preferred position, Bellingham has recaptured flashes of his 2023/24 form, contributing three goals and two assists across the first six matches.
Valverde Reclaims Midfield Role
Federico Valverde is also smiling again. There is no trace remaining of his improvised stint at right-back, a chapter that Álvaro Arbeloa had already closed and that Mourinho has not even considered. Nor is the Uruguayan deployed on the wing. Valverde now serves as an essential component of a double pivot where his work rate and sacrificial play are indispensable. While he may not be the most refined technician on the ball, that responsibility falls to partners such as Aurélien Tchouaméni or Bernardo Silva. Valverde provides the muscle, stamina, and captain’s leadership.
Courtois Remains the Last Line of Defence
None of the above would function without Thibaut Courtois between the posts. The Belgian has already produced heroics on multiple occasions, though for him such performances are more habit than exception. He was outstanding against Inter and once again kept his team afloat with fine saves during a relaxed spell against Rayo Vallecano. The clean sheet continues to elude him, however, because defending is a collective act. Courtois has kept his goal unbeaten only once, against Málaga—a pending issue that concerns the entire team, not just the goalkeeper.
Backbone of a Title-Hungry Project
These five fantastic players ultimately form the backbone of a project that is getting underway with a firm step. Mourinho has found in them the footballers on whom the identity of a team hungry for titles rests. The season is long and rotations will inevitably arrive, but for now the coach knows exactly who his indispensable players are. And, judging by the results, trusting them is working out just fine for him.
