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Huijsen is an investment for Real Madrid's future. |
Real Madrid are entering a new era, where strategy, structure and identity are being redefined under the guidance of Xabi Alonso. A coach who values initiative, control of the game and modern football philosophy.
In that ambitious transition picture, the recruitment of Dean Huijsen - a 20-year-old Dutch-Spanish centre-back - is not simply an investment for the future, but also an affirmation of the style of play that Madrid will pursue: controlling the ball from the back, pressing high and close connection between the lines.
What's good about Huijsen?
Huijsen is not a big name, but his arrival has created a certain wave of excitement within Real Madrid and the experts. His mature performances for Bournemouth in the 2024/25 season, especially in the second half of the season, show that he is the ideal central defender for modern football: tall, agile, sharp tactical thinking and especially extremely impressive ability to play with the ball with his feet.
At Bournemouth, Huijsen grew up under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, who was also influenced by the modern Spanish school of football. Here, he was “tested” in a high pressing system that required the centre-back to constantly press, suffocate space and prevent the ball from being played from the opponent’s half.
Not only was Huijsen not overwhelmed in a harsh environment like the Premier League, he also shone brightly with impressive statistics: 105 ball recoveries, 50 interceptions and 194 clearances - including 100 headers.
More importantly, these numbers are not just statistical in nature, but also a testament to the remarkable adaptation and development of a young player. Huijsen was not guaranteed a starting position from the start of the season. It was only when Marcos Senesi got injured that he was given a chance - and since then, no one has been able to replace Huijsen in defense.
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This center back played well in the 2024/25 season. |
His composure, ability to read situations and quick reaction to pressure are all extremely valuable qualities for a 20-year-old centre-back. However, what makes Huijsen special - and the biggest reason why Xabi Alonso chose him - is his ability to organise play from the back.
In a rapidly changing football world , centre-backs are not just tacklers, but also “architects from the back” – the ones who unlock the game, move the ball and create space. Huijsen does it naturally.
With 128 accurate long passes this season, the ability to use both feet (despite being right-footed), and playing predominantly on the left flank, Huijsen has shown exceptional versatility. He can dribble, carry the ball through the lines, change the direction of attack and even create - as his 15 chances created from centre-back have shown.
It is also impossible not to mention Huijsen's instinctive ability in the air. With a height of 1.95 meters and the ability to choose the right time to jump, he is a terror in set-piece situations.
Three headed goals against big teams like Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United are clear evidence of the danger he brings in the opposition penalty area.
Huijsen is not perfect
Huijsen is not without his weaknesses, however. When stretched too wide or faced with fast players, he can sometimes appear inflexible and slow to track back.
His one-on-one handling is still not really stable - which is understandable for a player who is not yet 21. But that is the opportunity for Xabi Alonso - a former defensive leader at the highest level - to mold him into a complete center-back.
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Huijsen has an ideal height (1.95 meters). |
For Xabi Alonso, the most important thing is that the player has the right mindset for the system. Huijsen has all the elements: tactical discipline, the ability to read the game, a competitive spirit and the technical quality to develop the ball.
He is not simply a replacement for someone in Madrid's defensive system, but a strategic addition - a piece that shapes the team's style of play.
It would be naive to think Huijsen would immediately explode at the Bernabeu. The pressure at Madrid is immense – where every move can be scrutinised under a harsh lens. But given time, trust and the right environment, the Dutch centre-back could become a key player in the rebuilding of Real Madrid’s empire under Xabi Alonso.
In a footballing world that is constantly changing, signing Huijsen is both a bold and sensible move - an investment not just for tomorrow, but for a decade of success ahead.
Source: https://znews.vn/huijsen-la-manh-ghep-chien-luoc-cua-real-madrid-post1558586.html
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