Real Madrid's Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1
The formation looks set to be a 4-2-3-1, with Mourinho favouring a double pivot in midfield and an attacking midfielder operating between the midfielders and the front three.
It is a structure that gives Real Madrid defensive protection while still allowing its elite attackers considerable freedom. The preseason has also provided clues about which players Mourinho trusts in each position.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois remains the obvious choice between the posts. When fit, the Belgian is expected to be Mourinho's undisputed No. 1, giving Madrid experience and security behind a defence that is still being reshaped.
Defence
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to initially start at right-back, although this is arguably one of the most interesting positions to watch.
Mourinho has alternated Trent and Denzel Dumfries during preseason: 241 minutes for the Englishman and 239 for the Dutchman. Those figures are slightly misleading when determining who has the upper hand, however. They have spent 120 minutes on the field together, the opening 75 minutes against Fiorentina and the second half against Deportivo. On both occasions, Trent stayed at right-back while Dumfries played as a winger.
That suggests Mourinho already views Dumfries as a versatile tactical option rather than simply a competitor for Trent's position.
For now, Trent gets our predicted starting spot. However, expect Dumfries to receive plenty of opportunities to replace him and potentially take the position permanently if Trent fails to deliver consistently.
Centre-back: Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rüdiger
The centre-back positions should see the most competition, with Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger and Ibrahima Konaté battling for regular minutes.
Our guess is that Huijsen is currently the closest thing Mourinho has to a guaranteed starter. His preseason performances have been particularly encouraging, including an impressive display against Schalke, where he also scored.
Alongside him, we expect Mourinho to alternate between Rüdiger and Konaté. Rüdiger's experience and aggression make him an obvious option, while Konaté offers pace and physicality. As the Champions League begins and the fixture schedule becomes more demanding, all three should play significant roles.
For the opening lineup, however, Huijsen and Rüdiger get the nod.
Left-back: Marc Cucurella
His late return from World Cup duty meant Mourinho had limited opportunities to work with him early in preseason, but the summer signing is expected to slot straight into the starting XI. His energy, pressing and ability to contribute in possession fit the demands of Mourinho's system.
Midfield
Bernardo Silva and Aurélien Tchouaméni
The double pivot should feature Bernardo Silva and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Bernardo is likely to become a constant in Mourinho's midfield, particularly after Real Madrid failed to bring in Rodri. His technical quality, intelligence and ability to dictate possession should make him one of the most important players in the new system.
Tchouaméni is expected to partner him, providing the defensive balance that allows Bernardo greater freedom. Federico Valverde, meanwhile, should challenge Tchouaméni for the second midfield position and could become increasingly important depending on the opposition.
The battle between Tchouaméni and Valverde could therefore be one of the most competitive selection decisions of the season.
Attacking Midfield and Front Three
Attacking midfielder: Jude Bellingham
There is little doubt about the No. 10 position:
Jude Bellingham should be Mourinho's undisputed attacking midfielder.
Mourinho is understood to be a big fan of Bellingham, and the Englishman's combination of athleticism, creativity, goal scoring and pressing makes him an ideal fit for the role.
Arda Güler is the obvious alternative. The Turkish international can fill in whenever Bellingham is unavailable and could also be used deeper, including in the pivot, if Mourinho needs additional creativity from midfield.
Wingers: Yan Diomande and Vinícius Júnior
Diomande is one of the most exciting new additions to the squad and represents a major investment from Real Madrid. His explosiveness and direct style should give Mourinho another dangerous attacking outlet.
Vinícius, meanwhile, remains one of the team's most important attacking players. His new contract further underlines his status, and Mourinho will be looking to get the Brazilian back to his most devastating level.
Striker: Kylian Mbappé
The Frenchman is an undisputed presence in Real Madrid's starting lineup under any manager, and Mourinho is unlikely to be the exception. His pace, movement and goalscoring ability make him the natural focal point of this attack.
Jose Mourinho's Predicted Real Madrid XI
Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Cucurella; Bernardo Silva, Tchouaméni; Diomande, Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé.
Conclusion
These look like the players who are currently the closest thing to untouchables in Mourinho's Real Madrid.
Yan Diomande, the marquee signing brought in for a humongous transfer fee, should receive significant backing. Jude Bellingham appears to be a major Mourinho favourite and will be central to the team's attacking structure. Vinícius Júnior played a huge role in securing his contract extension and remains one of Madrid's biggest stars, while Kylian Mbappé is an undisputed presence in the starting lineup regardless of who occupies the manager's chair.
There will undoubtedly be rotation throughout the season, particularly in defence and midfield. Dumfries could push Trent; Valverde will challenge Tchouaméni, while Konaté and Rüdiger will compete alongside Huijsen for defensive minutes.
But for now, this is the XI that looks most likely to begin Mourinho's new era.
The Special One will be hoping this squad can finally bring Real Madrid back to the top, and as José Mourinho begins his second chapter at the Bernabéu, the starting lineup could be the first major piece of his attempted restoration of the Spanish giants.
