Dean Huijsen’s Rollercoaster Ride at Real Madrid

MADRID – Dean Huijsen’s first season at Real Madrid has been anything but predictable. From a standout performance at the Club World Cup to facing jeers from the Santiago Bernabéu faithful, the 20-year-classic center-back has experienced the highs and lows of elite football in a remarkably short period. The journey of the young Spaniard, who joined Los Blancos in June 2025, has been a testament to his resilience and adaptability.

Early Impact and a Sudden Dip

Huijsen arrived at Real Madrid with considerable promise, quickly making an impact. His performance at the Club World Cup was particularly noteworthy, though his absence due to a late red card in the quarterfinal against Borussia Dortmund was felt during the 4-0 semifinal victory over Paris Saint-Germain. This initial success carried into the first two months of the season, establishing him as a key figure in Xabi Alonso’s squad.

However, a turning point arrived on September 27th, when Atlético Madrid handed Real Madrid a stinging 5-2 defeat at the Metropolitano. Huijsen, along with teammate Carreras, was singled out for criticism following the match. This marked the beginning of a hard period for the young defender.

The Low Point: Facing the Bernabéu’s Displeasure

The downturn in form culminated in January, when Huijsen found himself on the receiving end of boos from the demanding crowd at the Santiago Bernabéu – a fate previously shared by Vinicius and Valverde. Rather than succumb to the pressure, Huijsen responded with determination, continuing to work diligently and ultimately turning the tide with strong performances in the Champions League against Manchester City and in the Madrid derby. “That demand from the Bernabéu is good,” Huijsen explained after the derby. “It shows what the Madrid fans expect from me and they grasp I can give more.”

Battling Injuries and Finding Consistency

Beyond the fluctuations in form, Huijsen has also had to contend with a series of injuries. He has suffered four muscle injuries since joining Real Madrid, including issues with his soleus muscle in October, a quadriceps problem in November and December, and a further soleus injury in February. “He wasn’t used to this workload of matches,” sources close to the player have revealed. These setbacks undoubtedly contributed to his inconsistent performances during the first half of the season.

Huijsen’s style of play also presents unique challenges. He isn’t naturally aggressive in challenges, an area where he acknowledges needing improvement. He also struggles to maintain focus during matches where the opposition doesn’t frequently attack. However, he has demonstrated a willingness to address these weaknesses, and his recent performances suggest significant progress.

A Flourishing Partnership with Rüdiger

A crucial element in Huijsen’s resurgence has been his blossoming partnership with veteran defender Antonio Rüdiger. With Éder Militão sidelined for an extended period and Asensio facing his own injury struggles, the Huijsen-Rüdiger pairing has become a cornerstone of the Real Madrid defense. “Rüdiger is a very good person and helps me a lot. I think we complement each other well. You can see there’s chemistry between the two of us, and that’s important,” Huijsen said. This partnership has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s recent improvement, particularly after a low point following a 1-0 defeat to Getafe earlier in the season.

From Alonso’s Vision to Arbeloa’s Guidance

Huijsen has consistently praised the tactical guidance he’s received from both Xabi Alonso and, more recently, Alberto Arbeloa. He embraced Alonso’s game plan from the outset, but also recognized the importance of adapting to the culture and expectations at Real Madrid. “We are a recent team. And I include myself in this change. I consider myself a reinforcement and now we are showing the level that was demanded of us, and there is that chemistry and commitment to the change of coach,” Huijsen stated.

Huijsen’s journey hasn’t been without its external noise. There were even suggestions from some quarters that he shouldn’t have been called up to the Spanish national team, with preference given to Pubill and Eric García. However, those suggestions proved unfounded, and Huijsen continues to represent Spain.

A ‘Chill’ Character Navigating the Pressure

Those who know Huijsen describe him as a remarkably composed and level-headed individual – a trait that has served him well throughout this challenging season. He’s described as “chill,” unfazed by setbacks and focused on continuous improvement. This resilience, combined with his growing partnership with Rüdiger, has been key to his turnaround in form.

What’s Next for Dean Huijsen?

Real Madrid will face a crucial stretch of matches as they compete for both La Liga and Champions League titles. Huijsen’s continued development and consistency will be vital to their success. The team’s next challenge is a La Liga match against Barcelona on March 29th, 2026, a fixture that will undoubtedly test Huijsen and the entire Real Madrid squad. Fans can follow updates and official news on the club’s website: https://www.realmadrid.com/

What do you think of Huijsen’s progress? Share your thoughts in the comments below!