Dean Huijsen's signing has raised many expectations at Real Madrid. The young defender arrives from Bournemouth after an excellent season. Despite his young age, people are already talking about him as a great bet for the future.
He hasn't been able to train under Xabi Alonso's orders yet. However, that hasn't stopped them from talking about what's coming. Huijsen confirmed that they've exchanged impressions after his arrival became official.
On the day of his presentation, he showed great excitement. "Yes, I've spoken with him about what he expects from me," he said. He also assured that he believes "beautiful years" are coming.
The pillars of a new Xabi Alonso defense
What isn't yet known for sure is which system Xabi Alonso will use. At Leverkusen, he usually lined up five in defense, with three center-backs. But at Real Madrid, it's expected that he'll opt for a back four.
Everything is hanging in the air, and the coming weeks will be key to seeing the final setup. Even so, something is starting to become clear. That's the role Dean Huijsen could have in that line.
The Spanish center-back has received a clear message from the coaching staff. In the private conversation, Xabi Alonso made it clear to him that he counts on him. Not as a promise, but as an essential piece from now on.
Xabi Alonso trusts Dean Huijsen: he wants him to be important from the start
Xabi Alonso especially valued the young defender's ball-playing ability. He believes he fits the style he wants to impose at Santiago Bernabéu. He doesn't want to improvise in that area and Dean Huijsen brings security.
He has conveyed trust, maturity, and a responsibility that not everyone expects. The center-back knows he won't have time to adapt. He has been signed to make a difference from day one: Dean Huijsen will be a starter with Xabi Alonso.
This reinforces the feeling that his signing, although costly, could prove key. At just 20 years old, he already has a veteran's mentality. The trust of his new coach has been total.
Dean Huijsen prepares for his first big challenge: the Club World Cup
The first big challenge for Dean Huijsen will be the Club World Cup. With Rüdiger recovering, everything indicates that he'll start as a starter. He'll share the back line with Asencio in the first matches, although Militao's return is also being considered.
It'll be a demanding test in a context of maximum pressure. The coaching staff believe he'll respond more than enough. If he meets expectations, no one will question his place in the starting eleven.
Real Madrid is starting a new cycle with young prospects as its foundation. Huijsen is one of them, and Xabi Alonso is very clear about it and has conveyed it to him: "You're going to be important."