Mourinho picks six Real Madrid must-start players for 2026 LaLiga season

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has named six guaranteed starters for the upcoming season: Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Fede Valverde, Marc Cucurella and Thibaut Courtois. Speaking during preseason ahead of his second stint at the club, Mourinho confirmed the players will form the spine of his 4-2-3-1 system, with Mbappe leading the line and Bellingham operating as the attacking midfielder behind him. Courtois remains the first-choice goalkeeper, while new left-back signing Cucurella is preferred over existing options on the left flank. Vinicius Junior, who will play from the left wing, is also set to agree on a new contract with the club. The selections reflect Mourinho's early tactical vision as he prepares Madrid for a LaLiga title challenge.

For Real Madrid fans, this clarification reduces uncertainty about the starting XI and signals where competition for places will be fiercest—particularly in midfield and wide areas where established stars like Rodrygo, Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni may fight for bench roles. The early contract talks with Vinicius also aim to secure a key asset amid transfer interest from other European giants. Knowing the core six helps supporters anticipate matchday lineups, plan viewing schedules, and understand where tactical adjustments might occur if injuries or form dips.

Will the guaranteed spots motivate fringe players to elevate their performance in training, or could it create resentment that affects squad harmony as the season progresses?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/06/laliga-mourinho-picks-six-real-madrid-players-that-must-start-games/