Real Madrid’s match yesterday against Al Hilal ended in a draw, leaving observers with a poor impression of the team’s performance. A specific moment highlighting defensive struggles involved defender Raúl Asencio, who conceded a rather absurd penalty during the game. This incident has brought his position into focus regarding future lineups.
Coach Alonso commented on the penalty incident after the match. He described these situations as “key plays” in football games. Alonso added that the first one, referring specifically to Asencio’s penalty, “was avoidable.” The defender’s performance yesterday and the competition for places could mean his time as a regular starter may be coming to an end.
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Two important defenders, Rüdiger and Militao, are currently recovering from injuries. When fully fit and playing at a good level, they are considered undisputed starters for Real Madrid.
There is some anticipation about how they will return, especially Militao, who has faced difficulties over the past two seasons. If they regain their top form, they are expected to form the primary center-back pairing if Alonso continues using a back four formation.
The recent signing of Dean Huijsen adds further depth to the defense. If Rüdiger and Militao return strongly, Huijsen is projected to be the immediate backup for the starting pair. This scenario would likely push Raúl Asencio down the pecking order to become the fourth-choice center back. Consequently, he would likely receive significantly fewer minutes on the pitch than he has recently.
Coach Xabi Alonso spoke about the debuts of Huijsen and others following the match. He offered congratulations, calling it an important day for them. Alonso noted their personality and believes they will become significant players, providing a quality boost to the team.
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Dean Huijsen also shared his thoughts on his first appearance, stating he felt he performed well and believed the team was superior. He mentioned the focus would be on possession, expecting chances to follow. The hope is for Rüdiger and Militao to recover well, and that the best players feature for Real Madrid’s success.
