The 2010/2011 Real Madrid?

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal

During the presentation of José Mourinho today at the Bernabeu, the Portuguese manager underlined that he was looking for 3 or 4 quality players. It is clear the positions he’s looking to reinforce which will strengthen and build a team which has the power to dominate in Spain and Europe. I put together, with the help of several transfer rumours, Real Madrid’s team for the 2010/2011 season.

Mourinho’s preferred tactic is the 4-3-3 and it will probably be used next season. The back four is essential, a winning team is always built from the back and his teams always consist of two offensive and complete full backs. The characteristics of the defence are consistent in all his teams:  commanding, tall, strong and efficient. In the midfield he likes to have a mix of players, two who can hold the structure and balance the team and the other is the “brain” (Deco at Porto, Lampard at Chelsea & Sneijder at Inter). The two wide players have to be fast, quality and tactically minded - this is important for when he changes formation to a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. Finally, upfront there must be an efficient striker who scores goals.

There are two key components, the team attacks as a team and defends as a team, they win and lose as a team. The other aspect which José Mourinho highlighted was that all his teams were psychologically strong and played with no fear. Mourinho is known for his motivation, with the personality and quality of players at his disposal he will ensure that he gets the best out of them.

Mourinho stated that Sergio Ramos is going to operate as a central defender, which means there is a vacancy open in the right back position. Arbeloa is capable playing as a right back but he is not the man Mourinho is looking for.  The only man he’s looking for and wants is his former Inter right back, Maicon. The Brazilian is described as the best right back in the world. 30 million euros is the negotiating price and it won’t be a surprise to see him signing for Madrid before, during or after the World Cup.

The opposite side of the field also needs reinforcing; Marcelo is not the complete left back and is too offensive.  Maybe he’ll be used as a left winger instead. A favourite for this position is Kolarov who is linked with a move to Inter Milan. The Lazio left back will also be playing in the World Cup for Serbia which will give Real another chance to monitor him. But after coaching 2 years in Italy, Mourinho knows Kolarov’s calibre and efficiency.  A deal between 20 – 25 million euros should wrap it up. Both full backs are Mourinho’s main priority.

Just like at Inter Milan, Mourinho wants a solid, strong and experienced holding midfielder. Neither of the Diarra’s are the ideal player and both could be sold this summer. The most popular names mentioned have been Michael Essien and Daniele de Rossi. Either one would be perfect, but José will pursue the Roma defensive midfielder before looking to plan B. DeRossi was also linked with a move to Inter last summer and is a player who Mourinho admires. He’s 100% concentrated, a hard man and tactically aware. Another 30 million will need to be spent to secure his services.

Finally, Granero is not the quality player Mourinho wants to play on the left flank. Di Maria will be his first choice, who can play in a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. The Argentinian forward is young, ambitious and has flair. He also demonstrated his tactical intelligence and versatility this year at Benfica; Di Maria has all the characteristics Mourinho wants. Inter were also heavily interested in signing him last summer and Mourinho will step up his interest again. 40 million euros is his minimum release fee clause and Real won’t have a problem paying the price. The fact that Mourinho and Ronaldo have the same agent as Di Maria, Jorge Mendes, will ease the transfer

The total sum of transfers accumulates to 125 million euros, which is a much lower figure in comparison to last year’s spending spree. But if these boys come in, then who will leave?

Guti has announced his decision to depart at the end of season and probably wouldn’t have stayed as working with Mourinho would have been a clash of egos. Raul’s position in the club will be resolved over the coming days and it will be a highly delicate situation to resolve. Releasing the Madrid legend could be a mistake; the fans worship him and he has an influential voice in the changing room. Other players who could be on their way out are Drenthe, Granero and Mahamadou Diarra.

Other players who have been linked to joining the club are Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Diego Milito.

Who do you think Mourinho will buy and sell?