Mourinho refuses to lose faith in Dean Huijsen despite worrying Real Madrid red-card record | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho has no intention of giving up on Dean Huijsen despite the defender’s latest red card, with the manager still viewing him as a potential undisputed starter.

According to AS, Mourinho remains convinced that he can bring out the best in Huijsen, whose performances at the start of the season have strengthened his position within the squad. 

The concern, though, is that his disciplinary record is beginning to overshadow that progress.

Huijsen’s red-card problem has returned

The latest setback came in the Madrid derby against Atletico last weekend. 

Huijsen, who has returned to the Spanish national team, was sent off in the 52nd minute after bringing down Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area, giving Atletico a penalty and leaving Real Madrid with ten men.

The incident proved costly, as Atletico converted the penalty and took control of a match Real Madrid were eventually unable to recover.

Dean Huijsen has received three red cards in his Real Madrid career. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

More worrying for Huijsen is the fact that this was not an isolated incident. It was his third red card in 52 appearances for Real Madrid, with all three dismissals coming after fouls on opponents while he was the last defender.

Two of those reds have come in La Liga, while the other arrived during the Club World Cup. His dismissal against Real Sociedad last season was particularly controversial, but the pattern is now becoming difficult to ignore.

Mourinho still sees a long-term starter

Huijsen’s record is striking mostly because he had never been sent off during his spells with Bournemouth, Roma or Juventus before joining Real Madrid.

Dean Huijsen’s sending-offs appear to have a particular pattern. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Indeed, the difference in playing style is part of the explanation, as Mourinho’s Real Madrid defend with a high line, leaving centre-backs exposed to quick transitions and forcing them to make difficult decisions when opponents break through.

That does not remove Huijsen’s responsibility, but it helps explain why situations that were less frequent earlier in his career are now recurring.

For Mourinho, the answer appears to be improvement rather than a loss of faith. Huijsen has produced enough good football this season to convince the manager that he can become a permanent fixture in the starting XI.

The challenge now is overcoming the moments that have repeatedly threatened to undo his otherwise strong performances.