Real Madrid News
Three ways Mourinho can solve Real Madrid’s big defensive problem vs Villarreal
With the international break almost over, Real Madrid are set to resume their campaign next weekend when they lock horns with Villarreal.
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
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
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.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
