Dean Huijsen Emerges as a Defensive Pillar for Real Madrid Under Jose Mourinho

More than a week has passed since El Clasico at the Camp Nou, yet Dean Huijsen's standout performance continues to draw widespread acclaim. Following a challenging period that saw him miss out on Spain's World Cup squad, the 21-year-old center-back reclaimed his starting spot in September alongside Pau Cubarsi. Despite a red card in the September 20 derby, the Dutch-born defender delivered a decisive display in El Clasico on October 25, making crucial blocks to thwart Barcelona.

In just a few months under Jose Mourinho, Huijsen has completely transformed his mindset and cemented his place as a reliable cornerstone in Real Madrid's defensive setup following his arrival in 2025.