Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defensive star identifies a key weakness in his game; Mourinho agrees
Despite an unnecessary challenge that cost Real Madrid a penalty against Atletico Madrid, Dean Huijsen has been arguably the standout defender for the club this season.
The Spanish international has tried to step up to the plate as Real Madrid go through a transitional phase under new coach Jose Mourinho.
However, Huijsen is still lacking that x-factor possessed some of the best defenders in Europe and it appears the player is ready to work on it.
Huijsen identifies a key weakness in his game
According to Defensa Central, Huijsen has recognised that he needs to improve his strength in duels to cement his place as an undisputed starter at Real Madrid.
The Spanish-Dutch defender is well aware that, beyond his excellent ball distribution and technical ability, he must add a greater physical dimension to his game.
It is an area where his fellow centre-backs excel, with Ibrahima Konate, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger all renowned for their physical dominance.
Each of that trio brings power, aggression in the tackle and a commanding aerial presence, qualities Huijsen has taken note of.
The 20-year-old understands that being an elegant, composed defender is not always enough, and that Real Madrid sometimes require their centre-backs to be physically imposing.
Mourinho demands more
Mourinho shares that assessment and has tasked Huijsen with a specific training programme designed to strengthen his physique and make him more assertive.
The idea is not to change his playing style or strip him of the qualities that earned him a move to the Bernabeu, but rather to add a new layer to his game.
Winning more one-on-one battles, dominating 50/50 balls and improving in defensive aerial duels are all central to his development.
The red card against Atletico served as a reminder of the fine margins involved, with Giuliano Simeone getting behind him too easily. Such lapses cannot become a habit if Huijsen is to remain a fixture in the side.
For now, Huijsen will look to focus on what’s ahead, though the Spaniard will be unavailable for Real Madrid’s next game against Villarreal owing to the red card suspension.
Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid manager defends Vinicius following red card vs Villarreal: ‘I don’t see intentionality’
Real Madrid resumed their campaign with a narrow win over Villarreal and three points, but it was yet another controversial affair due to refereeing decisions.
Vinicius Jr thought he had doubled Madrid’s lead against Villarreal, only for the goal to be chalked off and the Brazilian to be sent off in the same breath.
A VAR review showed Vinicius had tugged the hair of Villarreal’s Nathan Saliba in the build-up, prompting referee Isidro Diaz de Mera to void the goal and brandish a straight red.
The decision has split opinion, and one Madrid great has come out firmly in the forward’s corner.
Jorge Valdano on Vinicius’ red
Former real Madrid player and manager Jorge Valdano, speaking to Movistar, saw little malice in the incident.
“It’s an absolutely instinctive gesture. He feels they’re closing him in, he wants to get rid of it, and he does it in the most illegal way he can find,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Drawing a distinction with more serious offences, he added: “It would make the difference between what is a spit, for example, and what this is.”
The former World Cup winner was unequivocal in his assessment of the act itself. “I don’t see any intentionality, the dirtyness of the action,” he concluded.
Ominous time for Vinicius
Valdano’s sympathy will do little to console Vinicius Jr., who might be staring at a lengthy suspension after the red card incident.
The Brazilian is already at risk of missing the Clasico on October 25, with the final disciplinary ruling still to come.
The referee’s report logs two separate matters. The first is the hair pull itself; the second is his reaction, described as continued loud protests and an aggressive approach to the official that forced Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger and others to restrain him.
Depending on how that conduct is classified, the suspension could stretch to two, three or four games. The one reprieve is that the red card is domestic, leaving Vinicius free for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Roma.
