The midfield remains Real Madrid's main concern, with the team still struggling to create chances and control games. José Mourinho has maintained the partnership of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde, allowing Jude Bellingham to operate in the attacking midfield role. The decision has helped bring out the best in the Englishman, but it has done little to address the team's wider structural problems.

The Champions League clash against Roma exposed the limitations of the Frenchman and Uruguayan playing together. Neither midfielder has established himself as a reliable organiser of the build-up, leaving Real Madrid short of creativity in the centre of the pitch. The statistics underlined the problem: Thibaut Courtois completed more passes from his goal than either of the two holding midfielders. With the midfield struggling to progress the ball, the Belgian was often forced to resort to long passes.

Real Madrid's most convincing spell came after the break, when Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva were introduced. Their presence forced Roma to adjust their pressing approach and made it more difficult for the Italian side to operate comfortably in the opposition half.

The comeback took shape with the Turkish and Portuguese players involved in midfield, putting the performances of the starters under greater scrutiny, particularly Tchouaméni. The Frenchman was eventually substituted after repeatedly losing possession in dangerous areas and failing to provide his usual defensive security.

Valverde, meanwhile, at least found a way to contribute when deployed on the right side of defence. However, the match once again highlighted Real Madrid's need for greater creativity and control in midfield.

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