Pre-season provided a real opportunity for some Real Madrid players to impress Jose Mourinho, and it looks like some stars have caught the manager’s eye.
The appointment of a new manager always brings with it a clean slate, especially for players like Dean Huijsen.
The 21-year-old Spanish ace started last season well under Xabi Alonso, but the managerial changes saw his form drop.
By the end of the campaign, he had been dropped from the starting XI, looked a shadow of his former self and was left out of Spain’s World Cup tournament.
Huijsen, to his credit, appears to have played his way into Mourinho’s starting plans after an impressive pre-season showing.
According to AS, the 21-year-old is now expected to start against Espanyol in Madrid’s La Liga opener after rediscovering his best level in the final warm-up matches.
Huijsen impresses Mourinho
Making an impression under Mourinho. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Huijsen missed the friendly against Fiorentina because of an overload but returned for 45 minutes against Ferencvaros before completing the full match in Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Deportivo.
His performance against Schalke then strengthened his case considerably.
The Spain international played 84 minutes in the 3-0 victory and scored the team’s second goal, rising to meet Arda Guler’s corner with a powerful header in the 20th minute.
He nearly scored another shortly afterwards, while his defensive work was equally encouraging. He looked aggressive in his duels and comfortable playing the ball out from the back.
Perfect timing for Real Madrid
The improvement could hardly have arrived at a better moment. Real Madrid enter the season with limited options at centre-back.
Eder Militao remains on the recovery trail, while Raul Asencio is also unavailable. That leaves Huijsen competing with Antonio Rudiger and Ibrahima Konate for the two starting positions.
His ability to use both feet and play on the left side of the defence should give him an advantage alongside two defenders who prefer playing on the right.
Set to start vs Espanyol. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Konate and Huijsen are likely to be Jose Mourinho’s starting pair, and the duo’s strengths complement each other very well.
The new jersey number brings additional motivation
There is also some symbolism surrounding Huijsen’s fresh start.
Following David Alaba’s departure, the famous No. 4 shirt became available and Huijsen immediately wanted it because of his admiration for Sergio Ramos.
“I always dreamed of wearing the No. 4. My idol was Sergio Ramos and for me it is a dream,” Huijsen said after the Schalke victory.
Comparisons with Ramos would be premature, but Real Madrid do need Huijsen to develop into a defensive leader of his own.
His first season offered promise but also a harsh reality check, but there is no doubt that the talented Spaniard is going to be better for it.
If he can keep his pre-season form, it will give Mourinho one less headache to worry about ahead of the new campaign.