Dean Huijsen adapted very quickly to Real Madrid. |
From the moment he stepped onto the pitch in the Spanish national team jersey in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in March, Huijsen's career has taken off like a rocket, exceeding all expectations. And now, Huijsen's name resonates not only within Real Madrid or "La Roja" (the nickname of the Spanish national team), but also frequently appears in prestigious nominations for the world's best young player - the Golden Boy and the Kopa Trophy.
From unexpected opportunity to indispensable pillar
The story begins with a coincidence. Coach Luis de la Fuente initially didn't call up Huijsen, but Iñigo Martínez's injury opened the door. Huijsen wasn't in the starting lineup against the Netherlands, but Cubarsi's injury gave him a chance to play.
And when the opportunity arose, Huijsen turned it into a springboard. From an unknown name, he became an indispensable player. In just a few short months, Huijsen started every game for the Spanish national team, became a familiar partner for Le Normand, and proved that he deserved that position.
What makes Huijsen so talked about isn't just his defensive solidity. He brings a quality that is increasingly rare in young center-backs: the ability to control the ball and initiate attacks with composure and precision.
Dean Huijsen quickly became a key player for Real Madrid. |
At Real Madrid, Huijsen was not only a rock in front of goal, but also the starting point for coherent attacks. This image led many to compare him to Franz Beckenbauer – a somewhat harsh comparison, but one that also reflects the belief that Huijsen was unique enough to become an icon.
This December, Tuttosport will present the Golden Boy award – an award that has elevated many young stars to legend. Warren Zaïre-Emery of PSG is still leading the points rankings, but Huijsen has surpassed many rivals, including his compatriot Cubarsi. No one dares to say Huijsen is guaranteed to win, but being among the top 3 candidates is well-deserved recognition.
Meanwhile, the Kopa Trophy – awarded by France Football and UEFA at the Ballon d'Or gala on September 21st – has also begun to mention Huijsen. While the tradition of this award isn't as deep-rooted as the Golden Boy award, his place on the shortlist confirms that Huijsen's performance is no longer a short-lived phenomenon, but a lasting affirmation.
Advancement is not just about progress on the football field.
Market value is a cold, impersonal measure, but it accurately reflects appeal. Huijsen was already highly valued during his time at Bournemouth. However, since making his debut for the Spanish national team, that figure has only gone in one direction: upward.
Real Madrid spent 60 million euros to acquire Huijsen from Juventus – an investment that, in Turin, looks like a wound that's hard to heal. From a loan deal to Roma, then a move to the Premier League for 15 million, only for Real Madrid to end up spending four times that amount. It's been called "one of the worst deals in Juve's history." But at Valdebebas, they believe they've made the right bet on the future.
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Dean Huijsen's arrival has transformed Real Madrid's defense. |
Huijsen's emergence is not just a personal story. It reflects Real Madrid's long-term strategy: building a new golden generation where young players not only carry the future but also immediately become the core of the team. After the dream of Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham, and Lamine Yamal, the "Los Blancos" defense now also possesses a face that could change the order of European football.
Huijsen stands among that new "golden generation," playing the role of a modern-day center-back. He can press, defend in a zonal area, initiate attacks, and most importantly, he always plays with the seasoned confidence of a veteran player.
In football, there are countless bright stars who quickly fade away. But Huijsen is proving himself to be different. At twenty years old, Huijsen has secured a starting place at Real Madrid, become a key player for the Spanish national team, and is a contender in the most prestigious youth competitions. The road ahead is long, but if he maintains his consistency and ambition, he can certainly continue his own "Golden Boy" revolution – and one for a whole new generation of Real Madrid players.
Source: https://znews.vn/real-madrid-thang-lon-with-huijsen-post1584713.html








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