Real Madrid defender seen as more ‘solid’ than ever under Jose Mourinho | OneFootball

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

Huijsen’s first season was disappointing. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

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.

More solid and dependable than before. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

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.