Kylian Mbappé has warned that "not much" should be read into Real Madrid's 4-1 win over RB Leipzig ahead of Sunday's Clásico with Barcelona, but Jose Mourinho is clearly starting to work out his best XI.
Mbappé told Movistar after the Champions League game at the Bernabéu that the team had only been focused on Wednesday's match. Still, Madrid's second-half display raised questions about the lineup for Camp Nou. Goals from Arda Güler, Mbappé and Yan Diomande followed Bernardo Silva's first-half tap-in to seal a comprehensive win.
Federico Valverde was the standout case. Playing a second straight game at right-back ahead of specialists Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries, he had the most touches on the pitch (115), the second-most passes, three key passes and the most defensive interventions (12). Mourinho had earlier said Valverde was a central midfielder, but it is hard to see him leaving right-back for Barcelona.
Güler has also been influential, contributing two goals and two assists in his last three games. He played on the right wing against Leipzig, and the question is whether he stays wide or returns to the centre. Silva, who has featured little this season, may return to the bench despite his goal and strong link-up play. Diomande's second goal in three days also makes him a strong candidate to start.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing