Huijsen talks Real Madrid move, Lamine, Carvajal, Spain NT, Vinicius – ‘It often goes too far’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen continues to attract attention not just for his performances on the pitch, but for the composure and maturity he shows off it. 

The 20-year-old centre-back, who joined Real Madrid from Bournemouth last summer, recently appeared on Radio MARCA’s La Tribu, where he spoke candidly about his journey and his adaptation to life in Madrid.

Huijsen has gone from a promising prospect to one of the most trusted young defenders in Xabi Alonso’s side in a remarkably short period. Yet, he insists that his success is rooted in keeping his feet on the ground.

“I focus on myself and try to improve every day. I’m handling it well, to be honest,” the teenager began with calm assurance.

The Spanish international admitted that life at Real Madrid is a world away from the quiet rhythm of English football.

“Madrid is the biggest club in the world, so it’s normal that there’s so much talk,” he explained. 

“I don’t read the press. I live my normal life, I go to training, I go home and that’s it.”

Help from those who believe in him

Huijsen was quick to acknowledge the help he’s received since joining the club, highlighting Kepa Arrizabalaga and Andoni Iraola as key figures who helped him settle in.

“They gave me good advice. Kepa explained to me what Madrid was like from the inside and how wonderful it is to represent this club.”

The young defender is also aware of the scrutiny that comes with wearing the famous white shirt.

Dean Huijsen defended the criticism of Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Jr. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

“At Madrid, if you have a bad game, it causes panic, but the season is long. You have to stay calm,” he said.

Huijsen also spoke warmly about the unity within the Spanish national team, despite the fierce club rivalries between Real Madrid and Barcelona players.

“When we come here we are teammates, when we play we are rivals. It’s normal. 

“On the pitch we want to kill each other, but off the pitch there’s a great atmosphere. That’s how it has to be.”

Defending Vinicius and Lamine

He also defended Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Jr, who often find themselves the target of intense media criticism.

“Lamine is a normal lad, he’s 18 years old. Sometimes things are exaggerated. 

“The same goes for Vinicius. He is an incredible player and a very good person, but when he does the slightest thing, he gets criticised too much.

“If we deserve criticism, criticise us, but often it goes too far,” he noted.

Before signing off, Huijsen revealed that even within the Real Madrid dressing room, the upcoming World Cup is a light-hearted topic of discussion.

“We have many teammates who represent great national teams. Bellingham with England, Mbappe with France and the Brazilians. 

“They all see themselves as capable of winning it. There’s a lot of quality and confidence,” he said with a smile.