Huijsen Faces Reality as Real Madrid’s Defense Rebounds

After weeks of uncertainty, the Real Madrid defense has found its footing once again. Following a challenging period marked by injuries and forced rotations, coach Xabi Alonso was compelled to experiment with his backline. This situation inadvertently provided 20-year-old Dean Huijsen a rare opportunity to showcase his talents in the Spanish capital. However, the recent match at San Mamés reshuffled the deck dramatically. The simultaneous return of Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão has reinvigorated the team’s defensive solidity, leading to a collective performance that starkly contrasts with the vulnerabilities displayed in previous weeks.

With Huijsen sidelined for the second consecutive match due to injury and unable to make the trip to Bilbao, his absence was felt differently than expected. The Merengues demonstrated an impressive equilibrium without him, highlighting the fierce competition he will face moving forward. José Mari Bakero aptly summarized this sentiment on El Bar de Sique Rodríguez: “In times of crisis, it’s always the rugged defenders who extinguish the fires.” Rüdiger and Militão embodied this philosophy with undeniable authority during the match.

Huijsen’s Challenge Ahead

In football, raw talent alone does not guarantee success. By placing excessive expectations on Huijsen, Real Madrid risked becoming overly reliant on inexperienced players in a critical area of the pitch where maturity often equates to stability. The events at San Mamés illustrated this perfectly: while Huijsen undoubtedly possesses immense potential, the reestablished partnership of Rüdiger and Militão serves as a reminder that experience is an irreplaceable asset at the highest levels of competition.

Moreover, comparisons can be drawn with FC Barcelona‘s struggles in the absence of Íñigo Martínez, underscoring the vital role that defensive leaders play in a team’s structure. Eloy Lecina encapsulated this reality succinctly: “Huijsen arrived at Real Madrid and became a starter at just 20 years old. Now he must return to reality.” The circumstances had hastily elevated Huijsen’s status, almost artificially, but with the return of established players, his role has been recalibrated.

The Path Forward for Huijsen

At Real Madrid, positions are not handed out based on potential alone; they are earned through consistent performance. For Huijsen, this return to reality is not necessarily negative; rather, it presents a healthy challenge and serves as a reminder that internal competition is essential in a club striving for excellence. If he wishes to secure a long-term starting position, he must now prove himself against two formidable giants in Rüdiger and Militão.

As Real Madrid continues its campaign in La Liga and beyond, fans will be watching closely to see how Huijsen responds to this heightened competition. Will he rise to the occasion and reclaim his place in the starting XI? Only time will tell.