Jose Mourinho could turn to midfield star as Real Madrid defensive crisis deepens

Real Madrid seem to have no visible end to their centre-back problem, which has affected the club over the last couple of seasons.

It almost feels like the position is cursed for Los Blancos, with injuries happening on a wholesale basis regardless of the personnel.

With the situation as it is at the moment, Aurelien Tchouameni could once again be asked to solve Real Madrid’s problems at centre-back.

According to FOX Deportes, Antonio Rudiger could be Mourinho’s only natural senior centre-back available against Villarreal on 10 October. That has brought Tchouameni back into consideration as an emergency defensive option.

Tchouameni emerges as solution

Dean Huijsen is suspended, while Ibrahima Konate is recovering from a minor collateral ligament sprain in his right knee.

Raul Asencio has undergone surgery and Eder Militao is still completing his rehabilitation from the hamstring injury he suffered in April.

Tchouameni is no stranger to playing at central defence. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Militao has returned to group training, but Los Blancoswill know better than to rush the Brazilian back into action.

That leaves Rudiger, whose own workload needs careful management following his knee problems, potentially carrying the entire burden at centre-back.

Tchouameni therefore represents Mourinho’s most obvious solution. The France midfielder has experience in the position from Carlo Ancelotti’s spell in charge.

His physical strength, aerial ability and composure in possession mean Madrid would not simply be placing a midfielder into defence and hoping for the best.

One solution creates another problem

The complication is what Madrid lose elsewhere by moving Tchouameni to central defence.

He has become important to the balance of Mourinho’s midfield, particularly alongside Fede Valverde.

Removing him from that area would force another reshuffle at a moment when Madrid are already searching for greater control in possession.

Fede Valverde is also currently nursing an injury and might not be ready to start the game against Villarreal.

Tchouameni playing in defence opens up a spot in variety . (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Therefore, moving Tchouameni to defence would force Mourinho to use a partnership like Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva in midfield, which is largely untested.

Mourinho’s other option

Mario Rivas offers Mourinho another possibility. The academy defender featured during pre-season, scored against Ferencvaros and has already been included in several senior matchday squads.

However, Mourinho needs to have the courage to throw in a youngster against Inigo Perez’s team, who will not make it easy for him.

Mourinho has important decisions to make when club football resumes, and it remains to be seen how he goes about choosing Rudiger’s partner for the game against the Yellow Submarine.