Six Real Madrid Stars Fighting to Prove Their Worth This Preseason

Preseason has already kicked off at Real Madrid, with José Mourinho taking charge at Valdebebas this week.

The new boss is working with a thin squad in his opening days, as a number of key players are still on holiday following their World Cup commitments. Those who weren't involved in the tournament returned to training on Monday, July 13, while the remaining players will rejoin on a phased basis over the coming weeks.

As attention shifts back to club football, Real Madrid's players will be looking to make a strong impression on the new management, with Mourinho supported by a revamped coaching staff that includes former midfielder Sami Khedira.

Expectations will be extremely high this summer, with Mourinho charged with restoring a winning culture following two disappointing trophy-less seasons.

With that in mind, here are six Real Madrid players who must make their mark with a strong preseason.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Controversially left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup, Alexander-Arnold was among the first players back on the training pitch as the demanding fitness sessions get underway.

The ex-Liverpool right back had a decent but unremarkable debut season at Madrid, and persistent concerns about his defensive reliability continue to linger.

With Denzel Dumfries now competing for his position, he must win over Mourinho during the summer. The Portuguese tactician is well known for his intolerance of players who fail to pull their weight defensively.

Dean Huijsen

Had Luis de la Fuente made a different call, Huijsen could have been preparing for the World Cup final with Spain. The young defender played a significant part in the qualification campaign, only to be left off the final squad in favour of Atlético Madrid's Marc Pubill.

Much like Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen had some shaky spells in a side that faltered at crucial moments during 2025–26, yet clearly possesses the attributes to develop into a top-class centre back.

His challenge is that Mourinho is eyeing a defensive overhaul, with at least one further signing anticipated on top of the arrivals of Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella, and Dumfries.

Mourinho has also tended to favour experience over youth in his defensive selections, but with Konaté away on World Cup duty and Éder Militão still sidelined through injury, Huijsen should get at least the opening preseason fixtures to prove his value.

Eduardo Camavinga

A third player back early after an unexpected international snub, Camavinga finds himself at a crossroads in his career.

The Frenchman had been widely expected to depart this summer following a dip in form over recent seasons at Madrid, with a number of English clubs reportedly interested. However, concrete offers have yet to materialise.

The player himself is reportedly determined to remain at Madrid, though how he would slot into Mourinho's plans is still unclear. With many teammates yet to return, he has an opportunity to make a positive impression on the incoming manager.

Brahim Díaz

Brilliant at times during Morocco's run to the World Cup quarterfinals, Díaz commands a central role for his national side that he has yet to fully secure at club level.

The 26-year-old has shown flashes of quality, but remains something of a fringe figure at Madrid.

With Rodrygo Goes still working his way back from an ACL injury, Díaz needs an impressive preseason to stake his claim for the right-wing berth in Mourinho's favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.

Having only suffered World Cup elimination on July 9, Díaz will first take some time to rest before rejoining his teammates and new manager.

Arda Güler

Despite participating at the World Cup, Güler is expected to return to Valdebebas as soon as next week, following Türkiye's early group-stage exit.

Like Díaz, Güler is an exceptional talent who is indispensable for his country, yet his role within the Madrid setup remains uncertain—particularly under Mourinho.

Does the 21-year-old possess the physical attributes Mourinho would require in a midfield double pivot? Or the stamina to operate out wide? Jude Bellingham appears to have sewn up the No.10 role, potentially relegating Güler to a backup option, while the acquisition of Bernardo Silva—a player more in keeping with Mourinho's typical preferences—casts further doubt over the youngster's position in the squad.

That said, one report from SPORT suggests the new manager personally called Güler following Türkiye's elimination to reassure him of his faith in the player.

Endrick

Generational talent or internet punchline? You be the judge. Opinion on Endrick shifts from week to week—the youngster earned a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad after a stellar half-season at Lyon (16 goal contributions in 24 appearances), only to be largely ignored by Carlo Ancelotti, much to the delight of his detractors.

The still-teenage 19-year-old is reportedly not being lined up for another loan spell this season, though how he fits into Real Madrid's plans remains an open question.

Preseason will be crucial in convincing Mourinho to become a bigger admirer than Ancelotti ever was.