After the departure of Iñigo Martínez, Barcelona identified Dean Huijsen as the perfect replacement. The club had been monitoring the young defender for quite some time and even explored the option of bringing him to Camp Nou. However, financial constraints combined with Huijsen’s unwavering commitment to Real Madrid meant that the move was never realistic, despite the interest of Joan Laporta and Hansi Flick.
Huijsen’s Rise at Real Madrid
Huijsen’s development at Madrid has been exceptional. Despite his youth, he displays the calmness and maturity of a seasoned professional and has already established himself as an important part of Xabi Alonso’s project. His rare qualities — defending with authority while possessing the technical skills and vision of a midfielder — make him a unique asset. Comfortable on both feet, he dictates play from the back and connects seamlessly with his teammates, offering Madrid a defender unlike most in Europe.
A Defender With Vision and Quality
On the ball, Huijsen demonstrates remarkable intelligence. His precise passing and ability to spot incisive runs allow him to split defenses with through balls. Defensively, he dominates in aerial duels and reads the game well, excelling in interceptions. These qualities make him a complete modern center-back, and those within Real Madrid are convinced his signing will be remembered as a bargain.
A Generational Prospect
Huijsen is widely recognized as one of the most promising defenders in world football. His ball progression from deep positions is unmatched among players his age, making him a natural fit for possession-oriented systems like Barcelona’s. In fact, Barça had imagined pairing him with Pau Cubarsí — considered one of Spain’s brightest talents — to form a dream defensive duo. Instead, Real Madrid now possess a generational defender expected to lead their backline for years to come.
An Unstoppable Rise
Since joining Madrid, Huijsen has silenced early doubters with consistently impressive performances. His rapid growth has even surprised many inside the club. Coaches and teammates view him as a player with limitless potential, combining talent with character. What truly sets him apart is his composure: regardless of the pressure, he remains calm on the ball, showing the confidence and maturity required to succeed at the world’s biggest club.
