Mourinho highlights Dean Huijsen’s defensive progress at Real Madrid

Dean Huijsen is beginning to justify Jose Mourinho’s faith in him after becoming a key figure in Real Madrid’s side at the start of the new season.

The 21-year-old centre-back has recovered from a difficult first campaign at the club and is now one of the team’s most reliable starters. Huijsen is the only Real Madrid player, alongside Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappe, to have played every minute of the club’s matches against Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Malaga.

Mourinho praised the Spain international after Real Madrid’s emphatic victory over Malaga, acknowledging that Huijsen had made mistakes in possession but insisting that his overall defensive contribution was moving in the right direction.

“Huijsen missed a through ball, but he was dominant in duels and defensive cover, and that is the right path. I like defenders who know how to defend. If a defender is good with the ball, that is ideal, but the most important thing is defending, and he is improving in that area,” said the Real Madrid manager.

Huijsen joined Real Madrid from Bournemouth for 50m euros and endured an inconsistent first season in Spain. He initially featured regularly under Xabi Alonso, but his role gradually diminished under Arbeloa.

His difficult spell eventually resulted in him being left out of Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad for the World Cup.

However, the defender, who was born in Malaga, made the most of the club’s pre-season preparations. He was handed the number four shirt before securing a place in Real Madrid’s starting line-up as the new campaign began.

Mourinho said Huijsen’s development had been particularly noticeable in recent weeks and credited the player’s team-mates with helping him settle and improve.

“I have seen significant progress in the last three matches, and his team-mates Rudiger and Konate are also giving him support,” Mourinho added.

The Portuguese coach made clear that Huijsen’s ability to help Real Madrid build attacks remains an important part of his profile. However, he stressed that passing quality should not come ahead of the fundamental responsibilities of a central defender.

For Mourinho, physical strength, consistency, the ability to win challenges and the confidence a defender gives to the rest of the team all come first. Huijsen’s work in those areas has helped him re-establish himself after a season in which his level fluctuated.

Real Madrid’s next test comes against Real Betis on Friday, 4 September, at La Cartuja. The fixture will provide a stern examination for Mourinho’s side as they seek to extend a run of three consecutive victories.

Huijsen is expected to remain central to the team’s plans as Real Madrid look to maintain their perfect start and continue the defensive progress Mourinho has identified.