While José Mourinho has a lot of choices to make in the defensive line, injuries and a lack of form may make it hard to pick Real Madrid’s best defence.
Real Madrid Still Have Defensive Concerns
Real Madrid bolstered their defence much during the summer and signed Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, adding Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras the year before. But injuries and poor form have left José Mourinho with some big questions to answer regarding his preferred defensive formation as the 2026–27 campaign gets underway.
Trent Alexander-Arnold vs. Denzel Dumfries
One of Mourinho’s most interesting decisions could be the battle for the right-back. Dumfries is more solid defensively and has a more classic full-back style, whereas Alexander-Arnold is a master of the pass and creativity. Although he is lacking in some areas defensively, Alexander-Arnold’s ability to create chances from the back of the box makes him the preferred target, especially when Real Madrid are looking for some more creativity in possession.
Ibrahima Konaté Has a Point to Prove
Konaté brings a wealth of experience to Real Madrid, but also a huge burden after a poor campaign with Liverpool. The French defender has the physical attributes to be successful at the Bernabéu, but he needs to get back to his best form fast. Konaté may get a big break to prove himself alongside Huijsen, as Éder Militão is out with an injury.
Dean Huijsen Looks Ready to Start
Huijsen seems to have consolidated his position following a lacklustre first season in Madrid. The young defender received a full summer to be able to recover and prepare for the upcoming season, and his preseason results were promising. Huijsen has now started both games for Real Madrid and is the most reliable of the central defenders for Mourinho.
Antonio Rüdiger Faces a Difficult Battle
The veteran defender has been extended and will be a tough contender for a starting berth, but is a safe bet to be on the bench. He’s slowing down and sometimes struggling with decisions, which may be a liability for him as Mourinho is seeking to find a more well-rounded defense. Rüdiger may have to content himself with a supporting role if he is not injured.
Marc Cucurella Is the Clear Left-Back Choice
Cucurella has looked like he’s been in the best form of his career since arriving at Real Madrid from Chelsea, and has earned his place in the left-back. The Spain international has come into the world with a great World Cup performance and brings energy, defensive work rate and attacking quality. His experience and recent form clearly gives him an edge over Álvaro Carreras and the injured Ferland Mendy.
Álvaro Carreras Needs a Fresh Start
Carreras had a good start to his Real Madrid career but his performances suffered as the pressure intensified. The 23-year-old is now up against a tough challenge to get regular minutes against Cucurella. He is still a valuable addition to the squad but it seems that Mourinho is more inclined to rely on the new recruit at the beginning of the season.
Injuries Have Limited Mourinho’s Options
Real Madrid’s defence is a tricky one thanks to injuries to Raúl Asencio, Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy. Asencio is suffering from a muscle issue, Militão is recovering from a serious hamstring injury and Mendy is also out of action following surgery. Their absences have made Mourinho’s job much more difficult in the first few weeks of the season.
Mourinho’s Strongest Defensive XI
If Real Madrid are to go with their current shape, availability and tactical balance, then Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the starter at right back, while Ibrahima Konaté and Dean Huijsen will be the central defenders and Marc Cucurella will be the left-back. The mix provides Mourinho with creativity, strength and defensive stability and experience.
Alexander-Arnold’s Creativity Gives Him the Edge
The most significant tactical issue is who will replace Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries, but the former Liverpool star has something Real Madrid can’t easily find. His passing range and mobility into midfield can change the teams build up game and his attacking partnership with the players on the right flank will be vital this season.
Real Madrid Still Need Defensive Stability
Mourinho took over a defence that lacked depth, consistency and was plagued by injuries in the last two years. He has added more options, but the backline is still a long way from being consistent if Real Madrid are looking to be a challenge for major trophies. The Portuguese manager will need his defenders to be in good form and avoid costly errors that plagued the team last season.
Mourinho’s Defensive Blueprint Takes Shape
Real Madrid possess the squad to defend much more robustly but Mourinho needs to get the right mix and get the lines right. The best four options in the starting line-up are now Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Huijsen and Cucurella, with Dumfries, Rüdiger, Carreras and the injured players coming back to the fray now being good options. With that depth, Real Madrid may be much harder to break down in 2026-27 if Mourinho can get it to translate into consistency in defence.
You May Also Like
[…] Real Madrid’s Best Defensive XI for the 2026–27 Season […]