Dean Huijsen – Real Madrid’s surprise answer to the number 5 role | OneFootball

While most of the spotlight in Real Madrid’s summer transfer window has been on big names like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Franco Mastantuono, one signing has quietly turned out to be a masterstroke.

Dean Huijsen, at just 20 years of age, is proving himself to be far more than just a defensive addition.

Rather, the former Bournemouth player has quickly become the starting point of Madrid’s attacking moves, showing composure and quality far beyond his age.

A look at the numbers

It might sound a bit peculiar, but against WSG Tirol, Huijsen was nothing short of outstanding. Playing for 77 minutes, he recorded more interventions than any other player on the pitch.

His 120 touches left everyone else far behind, with Eder Militao coming second at just 84. This level of involvement made him the heartbeat of the game.

His passing numbers were just as impressive – 111 passes in total, and 104 of them reaching their target with a stunning 93.7% accuracy.

His vision was not limited to short passes either. He topped the match in long-range distribution, attempting 16 and completing 13. Even in the attacking third, he stood out, making 20 passes with an 80% success rate.

It was clear that Huijsen was not afraid to break lines and feed the likes of Arda Güler and Kylian Mbappé in dangerous positions.

A new profile for Real Madrid

In a team used to more positional and cautious defenders like Antonio Rudiger and Militao, Huijsen’s style offers something different.

Dean Huijsen has been Real Madrid’s bridge between defence and attack. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

His performance against Tirol showed a perfect balance between defensive stability and attacking creativity.

He does not just hold the ball and wait for the next safe pass, he actively looks for opportunities to speed up play, spotting gaps and releasing the ball to Madrid’s most dangerous players.

Huijsen’s approach is similar to that of a modern sweeper, mixing tactical discipline with a willingness to influence the attack. This is a rare quality in central defenders, and it makes him an invaluable asset in matches where Madrid need more than just defensive cover.

His calmness under pressure and ability to pick the right pass mean that he often becomes the natural bridge between defence and midfield.

He is the present and the future

With Madrid currently without a traditional number five, Huijsen’s role becomes even more vital.

He absorbs pressure, distributes intelligently, and keeps the ball moving to maintain attacking momentum. Every forward move often begins with him, making him the first point of contact in building Madrid’s plays.

It may still be early in his Real Madrid career, but Huijsen has already shown why he could become a mainstay in the team for years to come.

His mix of defensive security, technical quality, and bravery on the ball is exactly what a modern top-level centre-back needs.

In a summer dominated by big-money signings, it is Huijsen who might just prove to be the most valuable addition, not because of headlines, but because of how quietly and effectively he has transformed the way Real Madrid build their game.