Real Madrid’s predicted backline under Jose Mourinho leaves club veteran on the bench – report

While pre-season has yet to fully unfold, discussion is already growing over how Jose Mourinho could line up his Real Madrid team.

On that note, one of the latest projections comes from journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, who believes the competition for places could see one veteran lose his first-team spot.

According to information shared through Defensa Central, Mourinho is expected to give Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen the edge in central defence, a decision that would leave Antonio Rudiger fighting to reclaim his place in the starting XI.

Konate and Huijsen to be Mourinho’s first-choice

Ramon Alvarez de Mon believes Real Madrid’s defensive hierarchy could look very different when the new season gets underway.

The journalist expects Konate and Huijsen to start together at the heart of the defence, with the experienced Rudiger providing competition rather than leading the back line as he has in recent years.

Rudiger could lose his place under Mourinho. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“In defence, Konate and Huijsen will play in front of Rudiger and Bernardo Silva will be a midfielder alongside Tchouameni,” he said.

If true, it will be a significant shift from the 2025/26 season.

This is because Huijsen may have experienced an inconsistent first season in Madrid, but the coaching staff and club hierarchy see him as a future leader of the defence.

Alongside him, Konate offers a different profile. The France international has built his reputation on physical dominance, recovery pace and aerial strength, qualities Real Madrid believe can add greater balance to their defensive unit.

What about Bernardo Silva?

Bernardo Silva will play a deeper role under Mourinho. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)

Alvarez de Mon also expects Mourinho to make an interesting tactical adjustment involving Bernardo Silva.

Rather than using the Portuguese playmaker in advanced attacking areas or on the wing, the journalist believes Mourinho could deploy him in a deeper midfield role alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, placing greater emphasis on midfield control.

If that prediction proves accurate, Madrid’s midfield would combine Tchouameni’s defensive presence with Bernardo’s technical quality and ability to dictate possession, giving Mourinho another option for controlling matches against elite opposition.

Whether those plans become reality will depend largely on the performances produced during pre-season, where every player will have the opportunity to influence the manager’s decisions.

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