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Jose Mourinho has restructured Real Madrid’s defensive lineup since arriving at the club, with significant changes to the team’s center-back rotation. The Portuguese manager’s tactical adjustments have resulted in a new pecking order at the back, where some established players are seeing reduced playing time.
Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have emerged as Mourinho’s primary central defensive pairing, with the manager selecting them together in recent matches against Real Betis and Inter Milan in European competition. Huijsen has particularly impressed, featuring in every official minute of Madrid’s campaign thus far. The combination appears designed to balance physicality and composure, as Konate provides intensity and recovery pace while Huijsen contributes technical ability in possession.
Antonio Rudiger, previously a cornerstone of Madrid’s defense, has fallen down the hierarchy and now finds himself as a third-choice option. Despite his experience and aerial prowess making him valuable for demanding fixtures, the veteran defender must now compete to reclaim his starting position. The situation becomes more complex with injured defenders Eder Militao and Raul Asencio expected to return, potentially further complicating Rudiger’s path back into the eleven.
Mourinho appears to be establishing healthy squad competition, ensuring no player takes their place for granted regardless of reputation. Whether Rudiger can respond and fight his way back into regular selection will likely depend on his performances in upcoming matches as the season progresses.
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Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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