Currently training with the Spanish national team, Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has opened up in an interview with Marca about his rapid rise and the pressures of playing for one of the world’s most prestigious clubs. At just 19 years old, Huijsen finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career. Following the injury of Inigo Martinez, he received a call-up to represent La Roja, marking a significant milestone in his young journey. His performance at Real Madrid has been nothing short of impressive, as he quickly became an integral part of the team’s rotation.
In a candid conversation on Radio Marca, Huijsen reflected on his experiences. “I focus on myself and aim to improve every day. Honestly, I’m doing well,” he stated from Las Rozas. Having previously played for Roma and Bournemouth before arriving in Madrid, he is now facing the immense spotlight that comes with being part of such a historic club. “It’s the biggest club in the world, so it’s normal that it gets talked about so much. However, I don’t read the press. I live a normal life; I train and go home—that’s all,” he added.
A Learning Experience
Huijsen has also benefited from valuable advice from teammates. “Kepa explained to me what Real Madrid is like from the inside and how beautiful it is to represent this club,” he shared. The pressure to perform is palpable at Madrid; he noted, “At Real Madrid, if you have a bad game, it creates panic. But the season is long; you must remain calm.” This understanding reflects his maturity as a young player navigating the intense environment of elite football.
Unity Amid Rivalry
Discussing the dynamics within the national team, Huijsen acknowledged the complexity of club rivalries. “When we come here, we are teammates; when we play against each other, we are rivals. That’s normal. On the pitch, we want to outdo each other, but off it, there’s a great atmosphere. It has to be that way,” he explained. His perspective emphasizes camaraderie over competition when representing Spain.
Huijsen also took a stand for his teammate Vinicius Junior amidst criticism directed at him. “Vini is an incredible guy, someone really good-hearted,” he remarked. “He’s so talented that whenever he makes even the slightest mistake, people criticize him harshly. All eyes are always on him; if you film someone for 90 minutes during a match, you’ll inevitably find something.” He continued by highlighting that scrutiny is common among all players: “If you film me or Militao or Asensio during a game, you will find something to critique as well.”
As he concluded his thoughts on criticism in football, Huijsen stated firmly, “If we deserve criticism, then go ahead and criticize us. But often it goes too far.” His insights resonate with many who follow La Liga and highlight the fine line athletes must navigate between public scrutiny and personal performance.
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