Real Madrid summer arrival’s entourage blames fatigue for recent subpar performances | OneFootball

According to a report by Guillermo Rai in The Athletic, those closest to Dean Huijsen believe the current narrative around the summer signing is missing a crucial detail, which is just how physically drained he is.

Huijsen’s first year at Real Madrid has been anything but straightforward. The 20-year-old arrived last summer carrying high expectations after his £50 million move from Bournemouth, but consistency has been difficult to find. 

While performances have drawn scrutiny, those close to the player point to a far deeper issue – accumulated fatigue.

What’s the backdrop?

It must be noted that in 2025 alone, Huijsen has played close to 50 matches for club and country, an extraordinary workload for a defender still adapting to a new league and a new tactical system. 

That heavy schedule has been compounded by three muscle injuries, none of them severe in isolation, but collectively disruptive. 

Even so, each setback has interrupted his rhythm, forcing him to restart physically and mentally.

Huijsen’s situation reached a flashpoint at the Santiago Bernabeu against Sevilla, where he was booed by sections of the crowd after a brief lapse in concentration nearly allowed the opponent to score. 

Players are human

Dean Huijsen has been utilised a lot by Real Madrid and Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Now, sources close to Huijsen insist supporters may not fully grasp the physical toll of his season. 

Playing almost non-stop, across competitions and international duty, has left him running on empty. 

They feel that he needs time to recover properly, rebuild his body, and regain consistency. In their words, he must “recharge his batteries”.

That opportunity is now arriving, as the Real Madrid squad will be given time off until December 29. For Huijsen, this break is seen as essential rather than optional.

Inside the club, there is a quiet understanding that fatigue and lack of depth have contributed significantly to recent struggles. 

And if they are to stabilise in 2026, protecting players like Huijsen may prove just as important as any tactical adjustment.