Dean Huijsen is building a proper case to become Real Madrid’s starting left-sided centre-back. Against Deportivo La Coruna, he logged seven successful defensive actions without losing a single duel, and it was his first start under Jose Mourinho at the Teresa Herrera Trophy. He also trained alone for much of last week because of discomfort, which makes the performance stand out even more.
Mourinho's left-sided centre-back decision
The stronger sign for Madrid is not just one clean friendly display. Huijsen has also played 370 league minutes across his last five matches, with an average rating of 7.5 in that run. That sort of usage suggests Mourinho already trusts him in a regular role, even if the coaching staff are still managing his fitness carefully.
There is also a clear selection picture around the left side of the defence. MARCA reported that, for now, Huijsen appears to be the leading candidate to start there. That lines up with what Madrid have seen from him lately: he has been solid enough in recent league outings, then followed it with a controlled showing against Deportivo.
The number four shirt and the pressure that comes with it
Huijsen’s rise is carrying some symbolism too. He took Madrid’s number four shirt after David Alaba’s departure, and he said: "It was always my dream to play for Real Madrid and wear the number four. As a child, my idol was always Sergio Ramos." The shirt has previously been worn by Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro, so the expectation attached to it is obvious.
That pressure does not make him the starter by default, and the discomfort issue is still there. But the current evidence points one way: Huijsen is the leading candidate for the left-sided role, and Madrid's next choices will show whether that status holds after the Teresa Herrera Trophy.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
