Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to start a Madrid derby from the bench. Spanish outlet Defensa Central reports that Mourinho’s preferred back four for the trip to Atletico Madrid leans on Denzel Dumfries’ defensive intensity and recovery pace ahead of the England international’s more attacking profile.
The lineup, as reported by Defensa Central, pairs Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen at center-back, with Marc Cucurella on the left. The outlet describes the group as the backline that inspires Mourinho with the most confidence in the early weeks of his second Real Madrid tenure.
Konate joined this summer from Liverpool and brings the physicality Mourinho typically prizes at the back. Huijsen offers the calmer, more progressive presence in possession. Cucurella, signed from Chelsea, is expected to hold off Alvaro Carreras despite a strong showing from the reserve left-back against Rayo Vallecano.
Trent behind Dumfries
The right-back call is the one that stands out. Defensa Central reports that the Dutchman has won the battle for the shirt, with Mourinho preferring his aggression in duels and aerial work for a fixture he expects to be played under sustained pressure.
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Antonio Rüdiger features as a backup center-back option in the reported hierarchy, with Alvaro Carreras and Alexander-Arnold providing cover at the full-back slots.
None of this has been confirmed by Real Madrid or Mourinho publicly.
Mourinho’s first city derby of his second spell
Sunday’s fixture is Mourinho’s first Madrid derby of his second spell at the club. Real Madrid announced his three-year appointment on 11 June, with club president Florentino Perez calling him “one of the best coaches in the world” and welcoming back “a Madridista.”
Real Madrid arrived at derby week having beaten Inter Milan 2-1 in their Champions League opener on 8 September, with Kylian Mbappé and Fede Valverde scoring in the first half before Carlos Augusto pulled one back for the Italian side.
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Kick-off at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is at 4:15pm local time on Sunday, 20 September.
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