RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Jose Mourinho identifies Real Madrid’s most trusted back four – report
Jose Mourinho is beginning to form a clearer picture of his preferred Real Madrid defence, with the Portuguese coach reportedly identifying the back four that currently gives him the greatest sense of security.
According to Defensa Central , Mourinho’s conclusions have evolved as the weeks and early matches of the season have progressed.
While the Real Madrid manager remains aware that his team has defensive issues to address, he is already looking towards the combination he could trust for the biggest matches ahead.
As things stand, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella are believed to be the four defenders leading the race for those positions.
Dumfries and Cucurella gaining ground
Dumfries has made the strongest case at right-back, with the Dutchman beginning to pull ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the battle for a starting role.
Dumfries will be Mourinho’s first-choice right-back. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Mourinho appears to value the security and consistency Dumfries brings to the position, as seen against Espanyol and Real Sociedad.
The situation on the opposite flank is also evolving.
Alvaro Carreras has been given opportunities at left-back so far, but Cucurella is expected to establish himself as Mourinho’s preferred option.
The Spanish international has featured in Real Madrid’s opening two La Liga matches from the bench and has delivered strong performances.
Konate and Huijsen impress Mourinho at centre-back
At the heart of the defence, Konate and Huijsen have made encouraging starts.
Konate has been solid under Mourinho. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Both players have lived up to expectations, with Mourinho publicly praising the pair on more than one occasion.
Their performances have given the manager another reason to believe that they could form the centre-back partnership for the most demanding fixtures of the campaign.
The early signs suggest Mourinho is looking for continuity rather than constant rotation when it comes to his most important matches.
On that note, Konate’s physical presence and Huijsen’s qualities on the ball could offer a combination that Mourinho believes can provide both defensive strength and greater control in possession.
As such, Antonio Rudiger remains part of the plans and is expected to receive minutes, although his workload will be managed carefully due to the condition of his knees.
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