For the first time this preseason, José Mourinho has his entire squad available, and he's wasting no time shaping Real Madrid's attack around a quartet that could define a generation. The Portuguese coach is building his system around Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and new signing Yan Diomande — a group valued at €590 million by Transfermarkt, yet assembled for significantly less in transfer fees.
The numbers from last season are staggering: 121 direct goal contributions. Mbappé led with 42 goals and seven assists, Vinicius added 22 goals and 14 assists, Diomande contributed 13 goals and ten assists during his time at Leipzig, and Bellingham, despite an injury-hit campaign, still managed eight goals and five assists. Real Madrid's board believes these figures will only climb as Bellingham returns to full fitness and Diomande adapts to a more talented supporting cast.
Mourinho's tactical puzzle: fitting four stars into one system
The challenge for Mourinho is not talent — it's balance. In training, he's consistently deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mbappé as the central striker, Vinicius on the left, Diomande on the right, and Bellingham in the attacking midfield role behind them. That's the position where Bellingham thrived in his debut season in Spain and during the recent World Cup with England.
The system is designed to maximize firepower while maintaining defensive structure, a hallmark of Mourinho's best teams. But it's a delicate balance. With four players who naturally want to attack, the pressing triggers and positional fluidness will be crucial. The final preseason match against Schalke 04 at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen is the ultimate testing ground.
Real Madrid's preseason has been unbeaten, with Mbappé already showing signs of his best form under Mourinho. But the real test comes on August 22, when LaLiga opens against Espanyol. The team needs to hit the ground running, and this match against Schalke will be the last chance to fine-tune the system.
Mourinho's history with big-name attackers is mixed — he's had success with some, friction with others. But early signs suggest he's found a way to get the best out of this group. The Portuguese manager has been praised for his man-management, and the players have responded well to his demands.
For Vinicius, this is a chance to cement his status as one of the world's best. For Mbappé, it's about finally delivering on the biggest stage in Spain. For Bellingham, it's about returning to the form that made him a Ballon d'Or contender. And for Diomande, it's about proving he belongs among the elite.
The quartet's combined market value of €590 million is a testament to their individual quality, but the real question is whether they can gel as a unit. Mourinho's tactical acumen will be tested like never before, but if he can make this work, Real Madrid could be unstoppable.
As the team prepares for the season opener, the excitement is palpable. The EA FC 27 ratings have Real Madrid and Barcelona as the top five-star clubs, and this attack is a big reason why. With Mourinho at the helm, the Merengues are aiming to reclaim their place at the top of European football.
The pressure is on, but so is the potential. If this quartet clicks, Real Madrid could be looking at a season for the ages. And for Latino fans, seeing Vinicius and Diomande shine alongside Mbappé and Bellingham is a source of pride — a reminder that Latin American talent continues to shape the global game.
