Dean Huijsen puts Real Madrid disappointment behind him with commanding start

Dean Huijsen has responded to a difficult first season at Real Madrid by delivering an outstanding start to his second campaign, rebuilding his confidence and establishing himself as an important part of Jose Mourinho’s plans.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Huijsen accepted that his debut season had fallen below expectations. He endured jeers from supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu and was also left disappointed after missing out on the World Cup.

The Spain international has now begun the new season determined to make amends. In Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, he was the team’s third-biggest shooter and was regularly targeted from set-pieces.

Huijsen also ranked third for ball recoveries, making four, while completing more passes than any other player in the match with 69. He was a consistent presence in the opposition penalty area, showed signs of restoring his defensive form and, most significantly, was selected by Mourinho as the key figure in starting attacks from the back.

The defender was Real Madrid’s most involved player against Real Sociedad, taking part in 92 passages of play. That was more than Bernardo Silva, who registered 88, and comfortably ahead of Federico Valverde on 69.

A substantial part of Huijsen’s progress has been attributed to his mental approach. He worked intensively to restore his self-belief and recover his competitive spirit, choosing to continue working through difficult circumstances rather than allow himself to drift with them.

The physical side of his preparation has also proved decisive. Players who did not take part in the World Cup were given an extended seven-week holiday during the summer, and Huijsen used that time to create an individual training programme and improve his conditioning.

He trained at the Marbella Football Center, completing long sessions and, at times, working twice a day. The focus was on raising his fitness levels and adding muscle mass.

That effort was aimed at overcoming the frustration of the previous campaign. Huijsen had started the season as an indispensable first-choice player but ended it behind Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao in the defensive pecking order.

In total, he played only 51% of Real Madrid’s available minutes from the international break in March last year.

There has since been praise within the club’s Valdebebas training base for Huijsen’s physical improvement and his daily attitude in training. Those around the team say he “looks stronger”, reflecting the progress he has made on an individual level.

After making a strong start and overcoming a minor injury during pre-season, Huijsen has become a first-choice option for Mourinho. He has formed a defensive barrier alongside Ibrahima Konate and is currently ahead of Rudiger in the manager’s selection order.

That position will become more difficult to retain once Militao returns, although his comeback is no longer considered far away while still not imminent.

Huijsen is now offering Real Madrid a clear promise of redemption after a first season that did not justify the €58m paid to sign him. The fee made him the most expensive defender in the club’s history.

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