Real Madrid Reaches Deep Into Its Pockets for Dean Huijsen. Will the 20-Year-Old Become the Best Defender in the World?
Dean Huijsen isn’t exactly a giant who commands respect from opponents based on appearance alone.
While he stands at 1.95 meters tall, his weight of around 87 kilograms hardly makes him a muscle-bound figure. Instead, one notices his long, thin arms and legs, along with his friendly smile. He also has no visible tattoos. This makes him the stark opposite of his idol, Sergio Ramos.
Dean Huijsen is moving to real Madrid in the Summer
Ramos as a Role Model
“Sergio Ramos was the best central defender in history for me,” Huijsen raved months ago. “He had everything. He could handle the ball, he was aggressive defensively, he was a leader, he scored goals and was important for the team. He also came from the south, just like me. I think we’re a bit similar.”
The 20-year-old central defender signed with the Royal Whites until 2030 during the week. He is considered the absolute favorite player of Carlo Ancelotti’s designated successor, Xabi Alonso.
Never before had Madrid paid so much money for a defensive specialist. The previous record holder is Eder Militao, who came from Porto in 2019 for an estimated 50 million euros.
Is that too much pressure for Huijsen? No, say many experts. They see the Spanish international as the best defender of the coming years. Experts do not see the competition with Antonio Rüdiger, Militao or David Alaba as an obstacle either.
Ancelotti Congratulates Real on Huijsen
Real’s departing coach Carlo Ancelotti raved: “Huijsen is a great young player who has a lot of potential. I think the signing is very good on the part of Real Madrid.”
Huijsen is also causing a stir in England. Former English international Jamie Redknapp recently raved on Sky.
“Everyone in his team already looks up to him despite his young age. He is so cool, so relaxed. Playing like that at 20 years old is very special,” said the 51-year-old.
Gael Clichy, a regular at ManCity and Arsenal for many years, added: “His body language is great and he can really do something with the ball. If you only defend well and don’t contribute much going forward, you’re a normal player. But he is special.”
Despite his young age, the central defender seems totally calm and doesn’t allow himself any blunders. Instead, he drives the offense with clever passes and has also scored three goals this season.
Huijsen with a Perfect Career?
Huijsen has had an eventful life. He was born in Amsterdam on April 14, 2005, his father Donny once played for Ajax and completed 15 games in the Eredivisie for Go Ahead Eagles from Deventer and AZ Alkmaar.
However, Huijsen Junior’s football training began in Spain, the family moved to Málaga when Dean was five years old. As a 16-year-old, he moved from FC Málaga to Juventus.
He played on loan in Rome for half a year. Last summer, AFC Bournemouth brought him to England for a little more than 15 million euros, where he experienced a meteoric rise at the Premier League’s eleventh-placed team.
“If you could paint a career for a defender, that’s what would come out. He has blood from the Netherlands and Spain in him and thus the fine game. In Italy and England he learned the defense and the toughness. Perfect,” said Redknapp.
Similar to the ex-defender, José Mourinho also raved about Huijsen early on when he came to AS Roma.
“He will be a great footballer in the future,” Mourinho said in early 2024 about the then 18-year-old central defender.
Mourinho should now feel confirmed.