Deportivo 0-1 Real Madrid Preseason Reaction: Bernardo Silva Changes Everything

Real Madrid’s preseason is almost over, and the first big takeaway is already obvious: Bernardo Silva changes this midfield.We break down Bernardo’s influence in buildup, what his arrival means for Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga, and why Mourinho may already have some difficult decisions to make once Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé return.We also get into Vinícius Jr.’s role after his new contract, Endrick and Brahim Díaz fighting for minutes, the Tchouaméni vs. Valverde question, Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen impressing, Antonio Rüdiger’s concerns, and how Madrid’s fullback options give Mourinho several different ways to attack.Plus: why Bernardo already looks like the oxygen of this midfield, and what happens when Madrid eventually have to play without him.Subscribe for Real Madrid analysis, tactics, match reactions and members-only episodes from The Real Deal.Timestamps00:00 Real Madrid preseason reaction01:59 Bernardo Silva gives Arda Güler a blueprint04:18 Bernardo is already Madrid’s midfield oxygen06:39 Vinícius, Brahim, Endrick and the attacking problems08:59 Mourinho’s defensive possession and fullback dynamics11:19 Match stats and concerns about Antonio Rüdiger14:28 How Mbappé changes the attack15:25 Who gets the third midfield spot?16:55 Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Bernardo and Arda rotation17:30 Is Valverde actually a guaranteed starter?19:18 Breaking deep blocks under Mourinho20:05 Carreras and Huijsen earning Mourinho’s trust21:45 Final preseason takeaways22:35 What’s next for The Real Deal