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Mourinho’s changes continue to show progress
Mourinho made a few rotations for the match against Leipzig. Carreras, Vinicius and Bernardo returned to the XI while Arda started on the right side with Fede Valverde. The team played some brilliant football at times and looked to attack the opposition throughout the game. There were times it looked like Camavinga was the only midfielder with almost everyone else ahead of him. The players moved around so freely with Arda moving in from the right to pick up th ball in midfield while Bernardo occupied the CF role and Fede made runs down the flank. The transition heavy game and verticality is exactly what Mourinho likes but the freedom the players had is something new from Mourinho and suggests that he’s got a good understanding of the types of players he has in his squad.
Vinicius In Free Fall
Vinicius had yet another chance to regain his form and build some confidence but looks closer to a player contemplating retirement than one who just got given everything he’s asked for. Vinicius was backed by his teammates all through dips in form and even getting Xabi Alonso sacked. He was given a new contract after protracted negotiations with the club. The new manager has given him a platform to shine and consistently defended him. He plays in his preferred position at his preferred club. But he looks like that’s the last place he wants to be as soon as the game starts.
Diomande has replaced him and while Mourinho will not freeze out the Brazilian, the obvious choice for LW isn’t really a matter up for debate.
Huijsen On the Ball
Dean has his confidence back and while his development on the defensive side of the game will require more patience, he’s been very good this season on both sides of the ball. He’s the kind of player we’re going to enjoy for 10 years. A fantastic signing reminding us why we were so excited to have him in the first place. His ball progression takes a lot of the weight of the midfielders and instantly elevates our possession game while his reading of the game in defence continues to improve as he’s operating on a really high level.
Fede at Home on the Right
Fede is a complete player. He can do everything. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the player lined up to replace Courtois long-term. The Real Madrid captain looks phenomenal on that right side. One cannot begrudge Mourinho for wanting to keep Fede at right back forever. He gives the team so much on both sides of the ball. Our ball progression goes up to another level when Fede is on the right. Barring injuries or suspensions, there’s no tactical reason for Fede to return to midfield this season. Unfortunately, this means Trent has yet another obstacle in his way. Perhaps Mourinho will surprise us with the Trent-Valverde combo for El Clasico.. We live in hope.
Arda Güler.. Mágico
Arda was born to play this game. He looks so natural. What a talent. Mourinho has given his stamp of approval and the youngster hasn’t looked back. While many of us would agree that RW isn’t the best use of his time, Arda has consistently given his best efforts whenever Mourinho has given him a job. If Arda carries on with his current trajectory, he’s going to be the Toni Kroos replacement everyone’s been harping on about.
A Shoutout to Camavinga
The Frenchman has been more down than up for a long time now but Mourinho has found a way to inject that confidence and belief into his veins. Camavinga looked more like himself against Leipzig and was showered with praise by Mourinho after the game. He still has some way to go to compete for a regular starting spot but he’s definitely on the right track. One game a time. Mourinho has already shown with Diomande replacing Vinicius that he will reward good performances as long as your rival is not Kylian Mbappe and in all fairness, that ought to be easy to excuse.