Dean Huijsen enjoyed a special moment in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Schalke 04 on Sunday, scoring a goal and speaking about what it means to wear the club’s famous number 4 shirt.
The young centre-back, who grew up admiring Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, admitted that taking on the number previously associated with his idol is something he had always hoped for.
Huijsen also found the net in the friendly, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made his return after overcoming the issue that forced him to miss Belgium’s final World Cup match.
Huijsen opens up on wearing Real Madrid’s number 4
Huijsen scored Real Madrid’s second goal after meeting an Arda Guler corner with a header, but afterwards, his attention turned to the significance of the shirt number he now wears.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV, Huijsen explained why the number 4 holds such importance for him, saying,
“It’s something I’ve always dreamed of; my idol was Ramos and for me it’s a dream to be able to wear it.”
The goal itself came from a well-worked set-piece, with Guler delivering from the left and Huijsen rising to direct his header into the net.
Reflecting on the moment and the team’s display, the defender said,
“A good cross from Arda (Güler), I got my head to it and was lucky enough to score. I’m pleased with the team’s performance; we’re making a good impression.”
Dean Huijsen was on the scoresheet against Schalke. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Huijsen also offered an insight into the demands Jose Mourinho has placed on the squad during preparations.
The Portuguese manager has clearly set high standards, both physically and tactically.
“We’re training hard, running a lot; he demands a lot from us and that’s good for us.
“As a centre-back, I need to be solid and try to keep a clean sheet, and as a team, we need to stick together and support one another,” he concluded.
Courtois declares himself ready
On the other hand, Courtois was another positive for Real Madrid against Schalke, with the Belgian goalkeeper playing the first half and showing no obvious signs of the physical problem that interrupted his World Cup campaign.
The 34-year-old revealed that he used his break to ensure he returned in the right condition and even came back early for extra individual work.
“Right, I did a lot of gym work during my holidays to stay in shape.
“I came back a couple of days early because I felt I needed to do some individual training to be ready. I tested myself today and it went well.”
Courtois returned to action for Real Madrid. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
With the Schalke match serving as Real Madrid’s final test before the new campaign, Courtois was pleased with what he saw from the team.
“It was the final test before we kick off and it was important to put in a good performance; I think we did just that.
“We were solid at the back, created plenty of chances, played well, and physically I think everyone looks in great shape.”
The goalkeeper also highlighted the mood inside the squad heading into the season, saying,
“We’re really excited. After the World Cup, we’ve built up our form gradually, but the team is raring to go; everyone wants a great season.
“I can see a lot of commitment and a real eagerness to get started.”
Finally, Courtois outlined Mourinho’s main demand from his players, stating,
“A lot of concentration at every moment of the match – on corner kicks, free-kicks, every second of the match – playing well and with a serious attitude,” he concluded.