REAL MADRID FANS BUZZING: IS DEAN HUIJSEN THE NEXT KROOS? VALVERDE THINKS SO
Federico Valverde has sparked excitement among Real Madrid fans by praising new signing Dean Huijsen, comparing the young defender’s passing ability to club legend Toni Kroos.
Huijsen, a recent arrival at Madrid, has quickly made a name for himself. Despite being a central defender, the 19-year-old stands out for his composure on the ball and impressive distribution from the back—traits rarely seen in players his age.
Valverde didn’t hold back his praise:
“Dean Huijsen carries the ball very well and delivers passes worthy of Toni Kroos,” he said, drawing attention across social media.
This compliment carries weight coming from Valverde, who spent years alongside Kroos in midfield and knows the German’s quality firsthand.
Huijsen’s standout performances during the FIFA Club World Cup showcased his ability not just to defend, but also to build attacks from deep—making him a versatile and modern defender. Though originally brought in to strengthen the defense, his early displays suggest he could become a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s future.
Raised in Italy, Huijsen developed a strong tactical foundation before moving to the Premier League with Bournemouth, where he grew both physically and mentally. His exit was met with disappointment from Bournemouth fans, who always saw his potential.
Now under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, who values defenders that can read the game and start plays from deep positions, Huijsen appears to be a perfect fit. His maturity and confidence since arriving have made a strong impression, and many believe Madrid have secured a real ge