Dean Huijsen credits Jose Mourinho for his return to Real Madrid’s starting XI

Dean Huijsen says Jose Mourinho’s close attention and demanding coaching have played a key role in his return to the Real Madrid starting line-up this season.

The 20-year-old defender is the only Real Madrid player to have completed every minute of the club’s five competitive matches so far, featuring in four La Liga games and one UEFA Champions League fixture.

Huijsen joined Real Madrid from Bournemouth last season for €50m. He initially established himself in the team under Xabi Alonso, but his form later dipped and he lost his place after Alvaro Arbeloa took charge. He was also left out of Spain’s World Cup squad.

His situation changed after Mourinho arrived at Santiago Bernabeu. The Portuguese coach had previously worked with Huijsen at Roma, giving the pair an existing relationship on which to build.

“I am in good shape and playing well,” Huijsen told the official Real Madrid website. “The credit goes to Mourinho because he follows me closely, and I am trying to give my best.”

Huijsen said Mourinho’s expectations are similar to those of previous coaches, but that the manager’s pressure has helped him improve.

“Like the other coaches, Mourinho asks me to be strong in attack, win the ball back and succeed in one-on-one battles,” he added. “He puts a lot of pressure on me, and I think that is beneficial for me.

“I already knew him before, and he has helped me develop. I will always be grateful to him.”

Mourinho also praised Huijsen’s progress after Real Madrid’s victory over Malaga, highlighting the defender’s increased authority in the centre of defence.

“The most important things for a centre-back are strength, consistency, winning duels and giving the team confidence,” Mourinho said. “He has developed a lot in a short time.”