Jose Mourinho settles on preferred Real Madrid defence for Atletico derby – report | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho is already shaping his plans for Real Madrid’s upcoming derby against Atletico Madrid, with the Portuguese coach making early tactical preparations.

Los Blancos returned to winning ways with a 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and have emerged victorious in all but one of the games they have played so far this season.

Madrid have Elche up next in La Liga before facing their first major test this season against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.

According to Defensa Central, Mourinho currently sees Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella as his preferred back four for the trip to the Metropolitano.

Dumfries moves ahead of Alexander-Arnold

The most significant decision appears to be at right-back, where Dumfries has moved ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in Mourinho’s hierarchy.

The Dutchman offers greater defensive intensity, aerial strength and recovery power, qualities Mourinho clearly values in matches where Madrid expect to face sustained pressure.

Dumfries is Mourinho’s preferred option over Alexander-Arnold. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Alexander-Arnold can offer more with the ball, but for a derby away from home, Mourinho’s thinking appears straightforward: defensive security comes first.

That does not make Dumfries untouchable for the season, but it does suggest Mourinho already has a clear idea of which profile he trusts most in the biggest fixtures.

Konate and Huijsen becoming the preferred pairing

In central defence, Konate and Huijsen are currently the combination that inspires the most confidence.

Konate gives Madrid pace, aggression and physical dominance, while Huijsen offers greater calmness in possession and progressive passing from the back.

Antonio Rudiger remains an important option, but the current trend points towards him operating behind that pair when everyone is fit.

Cucurella, meanwhile, is expected to start on the left despite Alvaro Carreras producing a strong performance against Rayo Vallecano.

Rotations could be on the cards against Elche

Cucurella will start ahead of Alvaro Carreras. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Madrid still face Elche before Atletico, and that match could allow Mourinho to manage minutes.

The report suggests one of the centre-backs could be rested if necessary, with Konate among those who may be protected ahead of the derby.

That would make sense. Madrid cannot afford to lose sight of Elche, but the Metropolitano presents a very different physical and tactical challenge.

It is still early days in Mourinho’s reign at Madrid, and his preferred options in each position are slowly emerging.

For now, the Portuguese tactician seems to have arrived at a decision on his preferred back four against Atletico, and it remains to be seen how the plans change in the coming days.