It will take some time before Norwegian fans, after his hard and unnecessary tackle on captain Martin Ødegaard at the end of the Nations League match at home at Ullevaal a few days ago, are looked at with positive eyes again.
It is next that we enjoy the news that the Portuguese does not quite fit into the “Merengue” team and receives a lot of criticism.
Kristoffer Ajer has become the complete center back!
Bernardo Silva, a 32-year-old Portuguese midfielder, has lost his prominent role in the royal team just two months after joining Real Madrid from Manchester City. The player has only amassed eight minutes with the white club since September 12, and his situation under José Mourinho is raising doubts – after he started the season as a permanent fixture.
Bernardo Silva barely plays under José Mourinho
The Portuguese international arrived during the last summer transfer window to provide options in the build-up to the game. But his participation has dropped significantly in recent LaLiga games – to the point that he has almost disappeared from the lineups.
In the eight league games the team has played, Bernardo Silva has appeared in six games – three from the start and three from the bench. His stats show 282 minutes, zero goals and one assist.
According to Sport, the decline started after the game against Rayo Vallecano on September 12. Since then, he has only played eight minutes against Atlético Madrid – and been left out against Elche and Villarreal. Mourinho has forgotten Bernardo Silva and is opting for other options in midfield.
The change is partly due to Mourinho’s tactical choices. The manager has started to invest in a midfield duo consisting of Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, while Arda Güler has also gained importance.
This limits Bernardo Silva’s ability to play in central positions or close to attack. The Portuguese started the season taking on various roles, but is now struggling to find space in the rotation.
Real Madrid is also monitoring his physical condition
Another factor that could explain the limited involvement is his physical condition. During pre-season, Mourinho publicly admitted that the player was returning from vacation below his expected level of fitness.
The coach believed he needed to improve his form to meet the competitive demands. However, the club has not recently reported any injury justifying his absence from the lineups.
The situation has also affected his time with the Portuguese national team. In the last international matches, the midfielder played barely seven minutes, spread over two games against Norway.
The lack of continuity contrasts with the stability he maintained during his time at Manchester City. Since starting his professional career at Monaco in 2014, the Portuguese used to play between 44 and 58 games per season.
The arrival in Madrid had created expectations because of this track record. The team needed players who could organize the game and provide solutions between the lines – qualities that justified the signing during the summer.
Bernardo Silva loses his prominent role at Real Madrid
Bernardo Silva has another opportunity in the Champions League
The upcoming matches will determine whether the Portuguese regains his prominence. The fixture schedule includes clashes against Roma in the Champions League, along with games against Sevilla and FC Barcelona in the league.
The European Cup offers a chance to change the situation – especially since he has yet to make his debut in the Champions League this season. The absence against Inter was due to a suspension from his time in England.
For now, Bernardo Silva is awaiting another opportunity from José Mourinho. The match against Roma will be the next opportunity to see if the coach includes the Portuguese – or continues with his current preference for other midfielders.
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