Real Madrid have confirmed their choice of Dean Huijsen as pillar of defense after a brilliant performance against FC Barcelona. The 21-year-old, recruited for 60 million euros from Bournemouth in May 2025, delivered a solid performance in the Clasico, scoring 10 clearances, 16 defensive actions and four blocks, while completing 83% of his passes, including seven decisive transmissions which broke the Catalan pressure. This performance comes at the right time, after a period of doubt where his fluctuating results and his expulsion during the derby against Atlético de Madrid had sparked criticism and even led to exclusion from the World Cup.
Under the leadership of José Mourinho, Huijsen regained an aggressiveness and defensive presence that allowed him to play in 10 of the 13 games this season, missing only one match due to suspension. He was also retained on the bench against RayoVallecano and Roma, but his return to the Clasico demonstrated that he is now capable of holding the central defender position, competing with veterans like Militão, Asencio and Rüdiger. Mourinho stressed that Huijsen was "even better" than he imagined, while remaining cautious about the player's medical history.
The return of Militão, who only played ten minutes this season after a muscle injury to his left thigh, does not call into question Huijsen's place. The Brazilian, still recovering, should not automatically disrupt the choices of the coach, who favors consistency and performance in big matches. Huijsen, meanwhile, proved that he can stand up to the most demanding challenges, consolidating his position within the Madrid defense.
With the battle for the central position still ongoing, Real Madrid appear confident in Huijsen's rise. His ability to restart the game from defense, combined with increased solidity, makes him a major asset for future meetings. The club continues to closely monitor Militão's situation, but Huijsen's upward trajectory suggests defensive stability for the games to come.