Dean Huijsen becomes an ever-present in Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid defence

Dean Huijsen is emerging as one of the most important players in Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid side, with the Portuguese manager placing particular emphasis on the 20-year-old’s development.

Huijsen is the only player in the squad Mourinho has coached previously, having worked with him at Roma, and that familiarity has given the manager a clear understanding of his abilities. The Spain defender is now establishing himself as an essential part of Real Madrid’s defence, with his performances supported by the statistics.

Spanish newspaper AS reported that Huijsen is one of the defenders Mourinho admires because of his ability to defend first and foremost.

“Mourinho is very interested in me and strongly encourages me to improve and progress, which I believe I am doing,” Huijsen said after the Champions League match against Inter Milan. “That is a good thing because he understands my abilities and helps me a lot. I am happy about that.”

After a difficult first season following his move to Real Madrid at the age of 20, Huijsen has made a strong start to the current campaign. He has inherited the number four shirt, previously worn by David Alaba and, before him, Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, who Huijsen regards as a role model.

“I have always dreamed of this. Sergio Ramos was my idol and, for me, wearing this number is a dream,” Huijsen said during the final stages of pre-season, as he began to understand the demands of his new manager. “Mourinho asks me to be a solid defender.”

Huijsen’s defensive contribution was particularly evident in the victory over Inter. He won four of his nine duels, including two in the air, and made 12 clearances. That was more than twice the number recorded by the next players on the list, Cucurella and Konate.

He led the defence in a match where he did not contribute to attacking moves or passing to the same extent as in previous games. However, it was the type of performance Mourinho wants from him.

“I like defenders who are good at defending,” Mourinho said after the match against Malaga. “If they also have elegance and are comfortable with the ball, that is ideal, but defending is the most important thing. He is improving in that area and I have seen noticeable progress. The player alongside him also helps him. Konate and Rudiger help him too.”

Huijsen praised Konate after the Inter match, saying: “He is a very strong player. He is very good defensively and comfortable with the ball. He is strong, quick and tall, good in challenges, and I think we play well together.” Konate has partnered him in four of Real Madrid’s five matches this season.

Huijsen has played all 450 minutes so far, a feat achieved only by him and Courtois after Mbappe was substituted in the Champions League.

Since making his first appearance in the second half against Ferencvaros, he has had little rest. Mourinho left him on the bench for only four minutes in the final friendly against Schalke, where Huijsen scored Real Madrid’s second goal. He has played every minute since and is becoming a rising star for both Mourinho and Real Madrid.