José Mourinho, coach of Real Madrid, is closely monitoring Dean Huijsen and Raúl Asencio during preseason. Both centre-backs, inconsistent last season, are looking to secure a spot with the arrival of Konaté.
Real Madrid's preseason is progressing with only eight first-team players, and two names are at the forefront of José Mourinho's attention: Dean Huijsen and Raúl Asencio. The Portuguese coach wants to see what they are made of before the official competitions begin.
The white club invested 50 million euros last summer in Huijsen, who came from Bournemouth, but his performance was erratic. He alternated between great performances and very discreet ones, which earned him some boos at the Santiago Bernabéu. He only established himself as a starter after the serious injury to Éder Militão.
Asencio, on the other hand, joined the first team in the 2024/25 season and had a decline in form. Last season he played 34 matches (2,500 minutes), far from his best level. Both were in Luis de la Fuente's considerations for the World Cup, but their final drop in form left them off the list.
Competition Heats Up in the White Defence
The arrival of Ibrahima Konaté increases competition in the centre of defence. With Antonio Rüdiger as an undisputed starter and waiting for Militão to regain his best form after his latest serious injury, Huijsen and Asencio would start as substitutes at the beginning of the season. Mourinho, however, is giving them room to convince him.
The Portuguese has taken advantage of the early sessions to closely observe both defenders. “They have quality, but they must show consistency”, stated a source from the coaching staff. The message is clear: whoever performs will get minutes.
A Transfer Market Still Open
Real Madrid has completed four signings this summer: Bernardo Silva, Dumfries, Konaté, and Cucurella. Carvajal, Fran García, Alaba, and Ceballos have also left. New movements are not ruled out, especially in midfield, depending on market demands. For now, the squad remains incomplete as they await the internationals who participated in the World Cup.
For Madrid fans, the preseason is a mystery: will Huijsen and Asencio rise to the occasion, or will the board seek a top-level centre-back? The coming weeks will be crucial. The two defenders know they are playing for their future at the club. And Mourinho, as always, gives nothing away.
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