Real Madrid's enigmatic new signing

Dean Huijsen embodies the modern generation of center-backs – where character, tactical thinking, and the ability to organize play go hand in hand.

Huijsen is an investment in Real Madrid's future.

Real Madrid is entering a new era, where strategy, structure, and playing identity are being reshaped under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, a coach who always emphasizes proactiveness, control of the game, and a modern football philosophy.

In this ambitious transitional period, the signing of Dean Huijsen – the 20-year-old Dutch-Spanish center-back – is not simply an investment in the future, but also an affirmation of the playing style Madrid will pursue: ball control from the back, high-pressure pressing, and close connection between the lines.

What's so great about Huijsen?

Huijsen isn't a big name, but his arrival generated a certain wave of excitement within Real Madrid and among experts. His mature performances for Bournemouth in the 2024/25 season, especially in the second half, showed that he is the ideal center-back for modern football: tall, agile, with sharp tactical thinking and, most importantly, incredibly impressive ball-playing ability.

At Bournemouth, Huijsen matured under manager Andoni Iraola, who was also influenced by the philosophy of modern Spanish football. There, he was tested in a high-pressing system that required the center-back to constantly push forward, stifle space, and prevent build-up play from the opponent's half.

Not only did Huijsen not get overwhelmed by the harsh environment of the Premier League, but 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 statistics; they are proof of the remarkable adaptation and development of a young player. Huijsen was not guaranteed a starting spot from the beginning of the season. Only when Marcos Senesi suffered an injury was he given a chance – and since then, no one has been able to replace Huijsen in the defense.

This central defender played well in the 2024/25 season.

His composure, situational awareness, and lightning-fast reaction to pressure are invaluable qualities for a 20-year-old center-back. However, what makes Huijsen special – and the biggest reason Xabi Alonso chose him – lies in his ability to organize play from the back.

In a rapidly changing world of football, center-backs are not just ball-clearers, but also "architects from the back"—those who unlock the game, circulate the ball, and create space. Huijsen does this naturally.

With 128 accurate long passes this season, the ability to turn with both feet (although right-footed), and playing primarily on the left flank, Huijsen demonstrates rare versatility. He can dribble, deliver through passes, change the direction of attack, and even create chances – as his 15 chances created from center-back have demonstrated.

It's also impossible to ignore Huijsen's aerial prowess – a weapon that seems to come by instinct. With his height of 1.95 meters and his ability to choose the precise moment to jump, he is a formidable force in set-piece situations.

Three headed goals against giants like Tottenham, Arsenal, and Manchester United are clear evidence of the danger he poses in the opponent's penalty area.

Huijsen is not perfect.

However, Huijsen is not without weaknesses. When stretched too wide or facing speedy players, he sometimes appears inflexible and slow to retreat.

His one-on-one skills are still not perfectly stable – understandable for a player not yet 21 years old. But that's precisely the opportunity for Xabi Alonso – a former top-level defensive leader – to mold him into a complete center-back.

Huijsen has an ideal height (1.95 meters).

For Xabi Alonso, the most important thing is that the player has the right mindset to fit the system. Huijsen possesses all the necessary qualities: tactical discipline, the ability to read the game, a fighting spirit, and the technical skills to distribute the ball effectively.

He's not simply a replacement for someone in Madrid's defensive system, but a strategic addition – a piece that shapes the team's playing style.

It would be naive to think that Huijsen will immediately explode onto the scene at the Bernabeu. The pressure at Madrid is immense – where every move can be scrutinized under a harsh lens. But given time, trust, and the right environment, the Dutch center-back could absolutely become a key player in rebuilding Real Madrid's empire under Xabi Alonso.

In a constantly changing world of football, signing Huijsen is both a bold and logical move – an investment not just for tomorrow, but for a decade of success ahead.

Source: https://znews.vn/tan-binh-an-so-cua-real-madrid-post1558586.html