GOAL, citing Marca, reported that José Mourinho has been using Bernardo Silva in a deeper midfield role as part of Real Madrid's recent improvement. GOAL said Mourinho concluded the best use of Bernardo Silva's talents was in midfield, with deeper duties alongside Valverde and Tchouaméni.
Midfield role
GOAL reported that during pre-season Mourinho had flagged that Bernardo Silva needed more time to hit his best level after turning up short of condition during the holidays. GOAL also reported that Mourinho preferred to wait until Bernardo Silva reached peak condition before leaning on him regularly in the starting XI.
Possession figures
Real Madrid average 57% possession with Bernardo Silva on the pitch, compared with 47% without him. The team's overall average for the season sits at 52%.
Match-by-match numbers
Real Madrid had 62% possession against Leipzig. Against Roma, the figure did not exceed 46%, and Bernardo Silva played only the final 20 minutes. Real Madrid reached just 37% possession against Barcelona.
What GOAL said Mourinho saw
GOAL reported that Mourinho had spotted signs during the matches against Sevilla and Leipzig. GOAL reported that Silva got the chance to start against Leipzig.
