Real Madrid splashed a sum of €58 million to sign Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth last summer, making him the most expensive defensive signing in the club’s history.
The 21-year-old Spaniard made a positive start to life at his new club, quickly establishing himself as a permanent fixture in the starting XI.
However, then came a period where his form took a nosedive and he struggled for consistency, with the youngster even facing whistles from sections of the crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Huijsen overcomes difficult period
Now, according to MARCA, after overcoming that setback through a clear process of growth, he approaches the final stretch of the league campaign aiming to remove any doubts about his performance.
The long-term injury to Eder Militao has opened the door for Huijsen to claim a starting role, placing him in a strong position to gain importance within the team and strengthen his case ahead of the World Cup.
Turning things around. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Militao’s return from a previous injury earlier in the season and the established status of Antonio Rudiger had limited his opportunities in the starting XI, especially for important games like the recent UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich.
The situation has now changed. Huijsen has regained confidence, shown composure on the ball, and improved in defensive duels, an area that had previously drawn criticism.
With five matches remaining, the young defender is aiming not only to confirm his improvement but also to use this period as a springboard to establish himself at Real Madrid and arrive at the World Cup with a significant role.
So far this term, Huijsen has made 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring and assisting two goals.
He will now aim to finish the season strongly and strengthen his chances of cementing his place in the starting XI, especially with Real Madrid planning new defensives signings for the summer.
