Mourinho changes Real Madrid defensive hierarchy as veteran star drops to third-choice

Mourinho changes Real Madrid defensive hierarchy as veteran star drops to third-choice Jose Mourinho has changed quite a few things at Real Madrid since taking over as manager ahead of the new season. The Portuguese manager has changed the hierarchies in his squad, with some players gaining more prominence and others falling down the pecking order. According to Bernabeu Digital , Antonio Rudiger appears to have lost his status as an automatic starter at Real Madrid. Mourinho is now leaning towards Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen as his preferred centre-back partnership. The German defender began the season with an important role in Mourinho’s rotation, but things seem to be changing now. Konate and Huijsen move ahead Mourinho started Konate and Huijsen together against Real Betis and then repeated the same partnership a few days later against Inter Milan in the Champions League. Rudiger, meanwhile, had to settle for a place on the bench. That pattern is becoming difficult to ignore, especially in Huijsen’s case. Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate have become the first-choice defensive pairing for Madrid. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images) The young defender has played every official minute for Madrid so far this season, which says a great deal about the trust Mourinho already has in him. Konate offers the physical power, recovery speed and aggression Mourinho values, while Huijsen gives Madrid greater calm and quality when building from the back. Together, they currently look like the pairing Mourinho trusts most for the biggest matches. Rudiger still has an important role This does not mean Rudiger has suddenly become irrelevant. Madrid face a long season across several competitions, and Mourinho will need more than two centre-backs. Rudiger’s experience, aerial strength and competitive personality still make him a valuable option, particularly in games that demand a more physical defensive approach. Antonio Rudiger needs to fight his way back into the XI. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) However, the situation has clearly changed. Not long ago, Rudiger looked like one of the first names in Madrid’s defence. Now he appears to be the third option and must fight his way back into the starting XI. There is also the threat of Eder Militao and Raul Asencio. Both players are recovering from significant long-term injuries , and their return could see the defensive pecking order change further. Strong competition at centre-back is exactly what Mourinho needs if he wants his team to become more reliable defensively. No player should feel his place is guaranteed simply because of reputation. Rudiger has more than enough quality to respond, but Konate and Huijsen have earned their current advantage. It remains to be seen whether the German can fight his way back into the team with his performances in the coming months.