Real Madrid News
Real Madrid decide their starting centre-back partnership for the FIFA Club World Cup
According to a recent report from AS (h/t Madrid Zone), Real Madrid have decided that Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio will form the club’s starting centre-back pairing for the FIFA Club World Cup group stage matches.
This development comes as a result of multiple injuries within the defensive line and a cautious approach towards player fitness ahead of the tournament.
The club officially presented Dean Huijsen yesterday, marking their first move to reinforce the backline this summer. So far, he remains the only new addition in the centre-back role, and any further signings are expected to happen only after the Club World Cup concludes.
Given the current situation, Huijsen is not only expected to settle quickly but will likely play an important role right away.
Limited options at the back
Real Madrid are currently dealing with a number of defensive setbacks. Antonio Rudiger, who played through pain during the latter part of last season due to the club’s shortage of centre-backs under Carlo Ancelotti, has now opted for knee surgery.
While he is working hard to recover in time for the Club World Cup, the odds of him making it for the group stage are slim.
David Alaba is also unavailable. The Austrian defender underwent surgery after suffering a meniscus tear in his left knee, following a long recovery period from an ACL injury. His absence has left another gap in Real Madrid’s central defence.
Eder Militao, meanwhile, is nearing full fitness and could be available for the tournament. However, the club appears unwilling to take risks with his condition so soon after a major injury, especially when the season ahead is long.
As a result, Huijsen and Asencio are expected to step up as the starting duo. It is a big opportunity for both, particularly for Huijsen, who has just joined the club, and it will be a real test of their readiness on the global stage.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
