José Mourinho continues to plan for the new season, with the Real Madrid manager working on his preferred playing style and starting lineup. One of his main concerns has been the defense.

Real Madrid have several quality options in every defensive position, meaning Mourinho is expected to rotate his players depending on the circumstances. However, the Portuguese coach already appears to have a preliminary idea of his preferred center-back pairing.

According to Guillermo Rai, Mourinho’s plan is to start Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konaté at center-back at the beginning of the season. The journalist also reported that the coaching staff were impressed with Huijsen during the preseason friendlies, earning him the left-sided center-back role, while Konaté is expected to partner him in the league opener.

Antonio Rüdiger has reportedly lost his place in the starting lineup, although he is still expected to play an important role throughout the season. Meanwhile, Éder Militão is in the final stages of his recovery, meaning Mourinho’s plans could change once the Brazilian returns.

Asencio is currently considered the last-choice center-back and may have to wait for injuries or other circumstances to earn regular playing time.

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