So far, Real Madrid's new season hasn't gotten off to the start many were expecting. With a new manager and plenty of summer arrivals, many were expecting the new look Real Madrid to get off to a flying start in the 26/27 season; however, that hasn't been the case. Real currently sits fourth in La Liga, six points off Barcelona in first place, and has already suffered losses to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid.
While yes, the team has been disappointing as a whole, there have been a number of disappointing performers on the individual level who have to start performing if they hope to keep their starting place. Jose Mourinho has to change something to get results back on track, and that could come at the expense of three players. Let's take a look at three players Jose Mourinho needs to bench after the international break:
3 Real Madrid players Jose Mourinho needs to bench after the international break
1. Vinicius Junior
This one almost goes without saying. The Brazilian has easily been the worst player for Real Madrid through the first eight games of the season and has become a liability for his team. He's only managed to find the back of the net once and has missed a number of easy one-on-one chances that were easy goals for him in previous years. His international break didn't help him much, as he failed to score in two of the three games he played, and with his form not getting any better, the manager needs to try something different.
Jose Mourinho will have players like Yan Diomande, Brahim Diaz, and even Rodrygo, who is close to returning from injury, at his disposal to choose from, and they can add something that Vinicius has failed to bring to the team so far this season. So, while there's no doubt it will upset Vinicius Junior, benching him would be what is best for the team at this time.
2. Denzel Dumfries
The Dutchman was one of the marquee defensive arrivals at Real Madrid this summer, but after having a strong World Cup campaign, he's failed to translate that form to Real Madrid. Dumfries hasn't added much in attack, and despite being a more defensive-minded fullback, he has gotten caught out on a number of occasions and has looked like the weakest link in the backline.
Jose Mourinho needs to try something new at the back, and thankfully for him, he has Trent Alexander-Arnold in his squad. The Englishman is coming off a strong international break for England, looking like the old Trent everyone is used to seeing, and with Real Madrid still struggling with creativity this season, giving Trent the chance to start would be a smart move from the manager. He impressed in the only start he's gotten for Real Madrid this season and is more than deserving of more minutes.
3. Fede Valverde
Finally, we come to Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan has been a polarizing figure at Real Madrid since some of his antics last season, and hasn't gotten the 26/27 season off to a great start either. Valverde has been somewhat of a non-factor through the first eight games, and looks like he'd rather be doing anything than playing football. He hasn't shown any motivation to get on the ball, and with Valverde being tasked with filling the Toni Kroos role, he has shown he isn't up to the task.
Real Madrid has incredible midfield depth, with a number of players more than deserving of a chance, none more than Eduardo Camavinga. The Frenchman has a strong international break, looking like his old self, with Zinedine Zidane looking to have found out how to unlock the best in him again. With so much not working for Real Madrid right now, it doesn't hurt to try something new, especially when the depth in the squad is so great, like it is this season.
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