Three ways Mourinho can solve Real Madrid’s big defensive problem vs Villarreal
· Yahoo Sports
With the international break almost over, Real Madrid are set to resume their campaign next weekend when they lock horns with Villarreal.
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It will be a tricky contest for Jose Mourinho, whose side are heading into this game with just one option in central defence, Antonio Rudiger.
Dean Huijsen is serving a one-match suspension while Ibrahima Konate won’t be fit in time for the clash, having suffered a knock during the break. Raul Asencio and Eder Militao are both injured.
This leaves Jose Mourinho with three distinct options as he looks to tackle the centre-back problem against Villarreal, as reported by MARCA.
The natural option
Tchouameni could operate at centre-back vs Villarreal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The most obvious and likely solution is to convert Aurelien Tchouameni into a central defender, a role he knows well and has performed on numerous occasions.
The Frenchman offers physicality, composure in possession, aerial ability and excellent positional awareness, making him a reliable option alongside Rudiger.
Deploying Tchouameni there would require minimal changes to the rest of the side, while also providing a cleaner build-up from the back given his ability to always face forward.
Dumfries as an unconventional option
Another route involves Denzel Dumfries, who possesses the physical attributes to fill in at centre-back in certain situations.
Mourinho has already shown during pre-season that he is not afraid to seek unconventional solutions when circumstances demand it.
The Portuguese experimented with pairing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries earlier in the summer, and the Dutchman’s power and aggression could make him a viable, if unexpected, stopgap for the Villarreal clash.
La Fabrica to the rescue
Rivas is an option for Real Madrid vs Villarreal. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Finally, the emergency could open the door to Real Madrid’s academy, with Mario Rivas, Joan Martinez and Diego Aguado all options.
Mourinho has repeatedly insisted that youngsters are part of his plans, stating at the start of the season that “the door is open.”
He was even more direct after the Betis game, noting that “as the season progresses, with suspensions and injuries, opportunities will obviously arise for them.”
Rivas, a 19-year-old centre-back who played the entire second half of pre-season with the first team, is the standout candidate.
Mourinho praised both Rivas and Martinez after the Fiorentina friendly, describing them as “two lads with a fantastic future.”
All eyes, therefore, will be on Mourinho’s team selection next week.