Real Madrid defender has the perfect opportunity to rediscover best form after World Cup snub

Real Madrid defender has the perfect opportunity to rediscover best form after World Cup snub Dean Huijsen enters the new season with plenty to prove after a disappointing first year at Real Madrid. The 21-year-old center-back, who came through Malaga’s academy before spells with Juventus, Roma, and Bournemouth, began life at the Santiago Bernabeu in promising fashion. His performances during the FIFA Club World Cup under Xabi Alonso ranked among the team’s brightest displays, but his form gradually declined as the season progressed. By the end of the campaign, Huijsen had been barely holding onto his place in the Real Madrid starting XI and had fallen out of Spain manager Luis de la Fuente’s plans, losing what had once looked like a secure place in the national team’s World Cup squad. Mourinho could be the key The 2026-27 season now represents an opportunity for Huijsen to rediscover his best form. According to Mundo Deportivo , the defender’s primary objective is to establish himself once again at Real Madrid and earn a return to the Spanish national team through consistent performances. Huijsen was left out of the Spain squad for the World Cup. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Few managers know Huijsen better than Jose Mourinho, making the Portuguese coach’s arrival an encouraging development for the defender. The two previously worked together at Roma, where Mourinho personally pushed to bring Huijsen in from Juventus. At the time, the veteran coach publicly praised the young defender, stating that he believed Huijsen had all the qualities needed to become one of the world’s best center-backs. Now they have the chance to work together once again. Real Madrid have faith in Huijsen Real Madrid continue to have complete faith in Huijsen despite his difficult first campaign. The club invested €58 million to sign him from AFC Bournemouth last year, making him the most expensive defender in the club’s history. Now, Mourinho has been tasked with helping him rediscover the level that convinced Los Blancos to make such a significant investment. Huijsen has previously worked with Mourinho. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Breaking back into the starting lineup will not be straightforward. Huijsen must compete with Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and new signing Ibrahima Konate, while the club could sign another centre-back. How Mourinho structures his defence will ultimately determine the opportunities and importance he gets. throughout the season. One factor working in Huijsen’s favor is timing. While many of Real Madrid’s international players remain away following their summer commitments, he will return to training from the very first day of pre-season on Monday. That headstart could provide an important opportunity to impress Mourinho early and begin rebuilding both his confidence and his standing within the squad.