Real Madrid made their first defensive signing of the summer after years. Dean Huijsen arrived with style and is already dominating the space at Los Blancos. Some are calling this a successful signing already, claiming he has justified his price tag within weeks.
But Real Madrid still need more defensive signings. They were earlier reported to be closely monitoring an exciting young star from La Liga who is currently shining at the Youth Euros.
The name is Cristhian Mosquera. He was under Real Madrid’s radar for a while, but the situation now seems to be drifting away from Madrid, as the club appears to be losing the race for the Spanish centre-back.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Mosquera, 21, is closer to a move to Arsenal than to any other club, after a standout run of games with Valencia and the Spanish youth team. The player is understood to have given his green light for the move and more talks are to follow.
Real Madrid need to sign more centre-backs for the 3-5-2 formation
In the last game against Salzburg, fans were overjoyed to witness Real Madrid play some beautiful football, glimpses of which had already been seen in the previous Club World Cup matches.
Central to that performance was Xabi Alonso’s masterfully executed 3-5-2 formation, which worked well with a back three of Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, and Aurelien Tchouameni, who filled in for the suspended Raul Asencio.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that this formation works well for Madrid. If Xabi continues leaning into it, a solid back three of natural centre-backs will become non-negotiable. But for that, Madrid simply need more depth.
The only fit centre-backs available right now are Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and Antonio Rudiger, the last of whom has just returned from surgery.
Beyond them, there is Eder Militao, an excellent defender, but his post-injury form remains to be seen. Worst-case scenario, it could take time before he returns to his best level.
Then there’s David Alaba, a name that shouldn’t be on this list anymore. His legs have given up, and it’s time to face that reality. On top of that, his wages are far higher than the value he brings to the team. He’s not the player he once was, and certainly not someone Madrid can depend on for an entire season.
Having only three reliable and fit centre-backs for a back-three system is an extremely risky position. Real Madrid need, and I stress at least, one more centre-back signing, assuming Militao hits top form immediately, which itself is uncertain.
Mosquera was an option. He might still be. But as it stands, Madrid are no longer the frontrunners in that race.