Real Madrid News
Real Madrid preparing major overhaul to strengthen key position this summer
Two players bid Real Madrid goodbye in the team’s final clash of the season on Saturday night, namely David Alaba and Dani Carvajal.
The latter already has a clear replacement in Trent Alexander-Arnold, leaving the right-back position in safe and reliable hands.
The same, however, cannot be said of Alaba’s departure from centre-back, as the club has suffered in the department all season, and his exit leaves one more vacancy in an already jeopardised position.
Moves are being made
As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Xtra) in a recent update, Real Madrid are already moving behind the scenes for defenders, and their intent to urgently reinforce the department is serious.
Calls are already being made from the offices at Valdebebas, and developments can be expected in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid, thus, will be very busy in the centre-back market this summer and could well sign more than one player in the department.
After all, there is a real need for depth and a sense that the current options are insufficient.
Limited options in the squad
While it may appear unnecessary to sign a defender given how many centre-backs Real Madrid may have, the truth is far from what meets the eye.
Antonio Rudiger, while still worthy of being an elite-level starter, is not getting younger and cannot string multiple games together without injuries or pain.
Eder Militao, meanwhile, has become extremely unreliable in a fitness sense and has spent the better part of the past two seasons on the sidelines.
Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio remain the only two other options in the first team, but the former has been unreliable in terms of both form and fitness while the latter is widely considered to be saleable this summer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
