Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid star
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
The new season is just around the corner and Real Madrid are certainly a team to watch, having signed no less than six new players during the summer transfer window so far.
Coach Jose Mourinho is already happy with the progress his team has made so far but he has some important decisions to make heading into the new season.
One of the main dilemmas Mourinho will face is in central defence, having roped in Ibrahima Konate to add more competition for Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao.
Huijsen has the upper hand
For now, Huijsen appears to be the leading candidate to start as Real Madrid’s main left-sided centre-back, reports MARCA.
Dean Huijsen, Federico Valverde and Raul Asensio of Real Madrid
Huijsen should start the season as a first-team regular. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
This is not too surprising given that Huijsen is the only centre-back Real Madrid, who is comfortable with both feet and is not purely right-footed.
More importantly, Huijsen has shown some strong momentum lately, notably producing a stellar display in the recent friendly against Deportivo La Coruna.
In his first start under Mourinho at the Teresa Herrera Trophy, the Spaniard marshalled the defence superbly, registering seven successful defensive actions without losing a single duel.
It was a performance that reinforced the belief that Huijsen still possesses the potential to become an undisputed starter and a long-term cornerstone of the Real Madrid backline.
Embracing the weight of the number four
Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid
Can Huijsen take on the mantle of becoming Real Madrid’s defensive leader? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Huijsen’s growing importance is also reflected in his decision to take on the iconic number four shirt following David Alaba’s departure.
The number carries enormous weight at Real Madrid, having been worn by legends such as Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro, and Huijsen has embraced that responsibility.
“It was always my dream to play for Real Madrid and wear the number four. As a child, my idol was always Sergio Ramos,” he wrote on social media.
The one obstacle Huijsen must overcome is his injury record, which disrupted his previous campaign and even cost him a place in Spain’s World Cup squad.
He again trained alone for much of last week due to discomfort, underlining that his physical condition remains the key area to address.
Reunited with Mourinho, who he worked under at Roma, Huijsen now has the perfect platform to redeem himself and establish himself as Real Madrid’s defensive leader for years to come.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images
It has been around a month since Jose Mourinho formally took charge of Real Madrid. Since then, the Portuguese coach has already played a crucial role in dictating the club’s transfer policy.
Much of the work revolving around the six new signings was done by Mourinho, who now has a full-strength team to train with heading into the new season.
In the lead up to the season opener, Mourinho has some initial observations about the team and how they are prepared for the campaign ahead.
Mourinho’s first impressions of Real Madrid
According to Ben Fernandes Santos, Mourinho is increasingly satisfied with his squad, though he is aware there is still plenty of work to be done.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Mourinho is ready for the season ahead. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
The Portuguese has been encouraged by the improvement his players have shown at a physical level throughout pre-season.
That said, he recognises the team are not yet where he wants them to be, particularly with several stars only recently returning from their extended World Cup breaks.
Mourinho views the coming week as key to consolidating the team’s growth. With the LaLiga opener against Espanyol fast approaching, the coach is keen to use the final stretch of pre-season to fine-tune his side and ensure they are ready to hit the ground running.
Instilling a new DNA
Beyond the physical side, Mourinho’s biggest objective is to instill a new identity in his squad after two trophyless campaigns.
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Mourinho wants to build a proper identiy at Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The DNA the Portuguese wants to establish has already been visible in glimpses during pre-season.
Chief among his demands is intensity, coupled with a genuine commitment to the badge, something Mourinho has long summed up with his mantra of working for Real Madrid.
He also wants to cultivate a combative spirit, forging a group that functions as a real, united team rather than a collection of individuals.
Resilience and sacrifice complete the picture, qualities Mourinho believes are essential if Real Madrid are to reassert their dominance both domestically and in Europe.