Mourinho seeks a solution to his centre-back problem

Mourinho is facing a problem at centre-back as competition resumes against Villarreal: Rüdiger is his only available player in that position. This time, it is not a matter of choosing between two centre-backs. The coach is considering several options, including positional switches, alternatives and bringing in academy players.

He could turn to a French player in an emergency. The Dutchman, meanwhile, has the physical attributes to defend in the middle in certain situations. Mourinho also showed during pre-season that he was willing to try unconventional solutions when circumstances called for them. In August, after the friendly against Alcorcón, he said he had paired Trent and Dumfries to «try to find a dynamic that would allow this style of play».

Mario Rivas, Joan Martínez and Diego Aguado are among the young players who could help complete the defence. They are not new to Mourinho: in August, he said that «the academy players are filling these vacant positions and working very well with us», then added: «The door is open». A few weeks later, against Betis, he pointed out that suspensions and injuries would create opportunities for them as the season progressed.

Rivas has already spent the entire second half of pre-season with the first team. The 19-year-old centre-back has therefore had the chance to work closely with Mourinho. The coach now has to find an answer for the immediate situation, while the young players remain an option to strengthen the defence.