Huijsen's rocky start: From Madrid's golden boy to defensive struggles
Dean Huijsen's Real Madrid journey has hit turbulence after a promising start, with the young defender struggling to maintain form amid tactical changes and defensive challenges.
The £58 million man from Bournemouth was meant to be Madrid’s defensive future, but his journey at the Bernabeu has already become a proper rollercoaster after just four months in white.
From hero to zero
Huijsen burst onto the scene during the Club World Cup, capitalizing on injuries to Rüdiger and Militão to establish himself as a fixture in Xabi Alonso’s side. His ball-playing ability made him an instant hit, but the honeymoon period hasn’t lasted long, has it?
The young Dutchman’s dip in form coincides with a broader tactical shift at Madrid. When the team was pressing high and dominating possession, Huijsen looked the dog’s dinner - initiating attacks from the halfway line and making crucial interceptions. Now he’s spending more time chasing shadows in his own penalty area.
Missing his defensive mentor
Another crucial factor in Huijsen’s struggles has been the absence of Militão, who had become something of a defensive mentor before his injury. The Brazilian had established himself as the team’s defensive leader and best marker, allowing Huijsen more freedom.
The partnership with Rüdiger is still very much a work in progress - they’ve started together just once, against Oviedo in the second match of the season. Building that chemistry will take time.
Physical and mental challenges
Huijsen recently returned to the starting lineup against Sevilla after three weeks on the treatment table with knee problems. But the warning signs were there before his injury:
- Substituted at half-time against Rayo Vallecano after receiving a yellow card
- Struggled against Liverpool, losing possession 15 times and misplacing 14 passes
- First showed signs of nerves during the Madrid derby against Atlético
At just 20 years old, Huijsen appears to be feeling the effects of a demanding calendar. Having played consistently for Bournemouth and now being a regular for both Madrid and Luis de la Fuente’s national team, the physical toll is evident.
Faith remains at the top
Despite these challenges, the Madrid hierarchy’s confidence in Huijsen remains unshaken. They recognize that a 20-year-old who’s already earned his place at both Real Madrid and the national team clearly has the potential to succeed at the highest level.
Both the club and those close to the player understood this wouldn’t be a bed of roses. The Christmas break offers Huijsen a chance to reset mentally and physically before tackling the challenges ahead in the new year.