Dean Huijsen has become a key figure for Real Madrid at the start of the new season, with Jose Mourinho praising the 21-year-old defender’s progress after a difficult first campaign at the club.
Huijsen has played every minute of Real Madrid’s matches against Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Malaga, making him one of only three players to do so alongside Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappe.
The centre-back, who was born in Malaga, endured an inconsistent debut season after Real Madrid paid Bournemouth 50m euros to sign him. He initially started regularly under Xabi Alonso, but his involvement gradually declined under Arbeloa.
His struggles also saw him left out of Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad for the World Cup.
However, Huijsen used pre-season to rebuild his confidence and form. He was handed Real Madrid’s number four shirt before securing a place in the starting line-up as the new campaign began.
Mourinho was particularly impressed by the defender’s performance after Real Madrid’s emphatic victory over Malaga, although he acknowledged that Huijsen had made some mistakes with his passing.
“Huijsen missed a through ball, but he was dominant in challenges and defensive cover, and that is the right direction,” said the Real Madrid manager.
“I admire defenders who know how to defend. If a defender is also good with the ball, that is ideal, but the most important thing is defending, and he is improving in that area.”
Mourinho also pointed to Huijsen’s recent development and the support he has received from his team-mates Antonio Rudiger and Ibrahima Konate.
“I saw significant progress in the last three matches, and his team-mates Rudiger and Konate are also supporting him,” he added.
The Portuguese coach said he values Huijsen’s ability to help Real Madrid build attacks from defence, but insisted that passing quality was not the most important measure of a centre-back’s performance.
For Mourinho, strength, stability, the ability to win duels and the confidence a defender gives to the rest of the team remain the priorities.
Huijsen’s improved form represents a notable change from last season, when his performances were heavily criticised and his place in the side became uncertain. His run of uninterrupted appearances has now established him among the most trusted members of Real Madrid’s defence.
Attention will turn to Real Madrid’s next fixture against Real Betis, which is scheduled for Friday, 4 September, at La Cartuja. The match will provide another demanding test for the European giants as they attempt to build on a run of three consecutive victories.
