news-engine

Real Madrid News Real Madrid defender seen as more ‘solid’ than ever under Jose Mourinho Two games into the new season, Jose Mourinho has stayed constant with his centre-back combination. Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate have started both of Real Madrid’s games so far, and have done a decent job at it. Of them, the Spanish centre-half is said to be placed higher on the pecking order and the manager’s guaranteed starter at this point in the season. Konate’s position, meanwhile, is also said to be secure although Antonio Rudiger will compete for the same spot. From a subpar ending to last season to being Mourinho’s number-one candidate in defence, Huijsen has indeed come a long way and AS bring to light more details on the same. Conspicuous improvement As relayed by the Spanish outlet, Huijsen is well aware of the fact that his first season at Real Madrid was a disappointment, and faced a difficult period in the summer having been left out of Spain’s World Cup winning squad. However, he has not allowed any of it to affect him. The player is looking for revalidation this season and has begun with dominance so far this campaign. In the Valdebebas, there is awe over the defender’s improved physique and daily commitment to training. They see him as more solid, and he has stepped up his game on an individual level significantly. As a result of his conviction, hard work and dedication, he has become essential for Mourinho from the get-go. The numbers speak volumes Against Real Sociedad, Huijsen was the player who completed the most passes for the team at 69 and was the player with the third most recoveries with four to his name. Beyond the defensive numbers, he also surprisingly finished as the player with the third most efforts on goal as he was constantly sought out in set-pieces. Further, Mourinho has transformed the player into an important player in terms of ball distribution and he was the player with the most touches of the ball against Real Sociedad as well with 92 to his name. For comparison, Bernardo Silva was second with 88 and Federico Valverde was third with 69. Real Madrid News Real Madrid duo still not training with group ahead of Malaga clash Real Madrid continue preparing for their third La Liga fixture of the season, with newly promoted Malaga visiting the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. Having started the season with back-to-back victories over RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad, the Merengues will be gunning to make it three in three. However, everything suggests that manager Jose Mourinho will still be without several players for the weekend. No Tchouameni or Endrick Indeed, according to MARCA, key midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and young forward Endrick continue to train separately from the main group. Both are following specific programs designed to restore their fitness to 100% and prevent further setbacks. Endrick suffered a muscular overload a couple of weeks ago, resulting in him missing the friendly match against Schalke before sitting out of the first two games of the season as well. Meanwhile, Tchouameni is still not ready to compete after returning from his World Cup commitments, having not taken part in any pre-season friendlies or the opening week of the new season. As such, the presence of both Tchouameni and Endrick against Malaga appears increasingly unlikely. Having returned after a successful loan spell at Olympique Lyon, this was going to be an important season for Endrick. But the physical issue, coupled with the early impact being made by new signing Carlos Espi, could complicate the 20-year-old’s situation. As for Tchouameni, while he could still have an important role, Mourinho seems to have found a reliable midfield pairing in Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde, which could make things tricky for the Frenchman. Several other players remain sidelined Meanwhile, Mourinho will also be without the likes of Thiago Pitarch, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes and Raul Asencio, who are all continuing their respective recovery processes. There has nevertheless been some progress for the first three. Thiago, Mendy and Militao have already been seen working with the ball at Valdebebas, representing another step towards their eventual return to competitive action. For now, though, Mourinho looks set to have to work with the same core of available players as Real Madrid continue their perfect start to the league campaign.