Warning for Dean Huijsen, there's tension at Bernabéu: 'You can't...'

Since the 2025/26 season began, Xabi Alonso has had a fairly fixed starting eleven that has hardly changed. Beyond the right-back position, which is the most competitive spot, we already know the other ten regular starters by heart. Or, at least, that's how it's been until now.

Real Madrid is on a very good path, leading LaLiga by 5 points over Barça and also leading and unbeaten in the Champions League. However, the coach from Tolosa has identified some areas that aren't working as well as they should. He plans to work on these in the coming weeks so the team's level can rise a bit more, if possible.

For example, we should get used to seeing Eduardo Camavinga on the field more often. That will bring changes to the midfield. But, in addition to the midfield area, the coaching staff is also closely analyzing the defensive line. In recent matches, some small weaknesses have emerged that have put the team at risk.

This is where Dean Huijsen's name comes up. The Spain international defender has been immovable in the center of the backline whenever he's been available. In fact, the question has mostly been who should be his partner. However, even though he started the season at a very high level, in recent games he's left a somewhat more bitter impression.

In search of Dean Huijsen

He isn't being that complete defender from the first matches. Dominant in the air and on the ground, almost unbeatable, quick to intercept, strong in challenges, and skilled at playing out from the back and making long passes. His level hasn't dropped enough to lose his regular status, but it has been enough to warrant a warning.

According to Defensa Central, Xabi Alonso has spoken with him during the week about this. This news outlet has stated that the coach's words to Dean Huijsen were similar to those mentioned below. "With your height (1.90 m[6 ft. 3 in.]), you can't lose any aerial duels, you have to be stronger in the jump, in physical battles..."

For example, in the classic where Real Madrid was overwhelmed by Atlético, Dean Huijsen lost three aerial duels. He made just one interception in last weekend's Clásico. In any case, he has shown he has plenty of talent, but he seems to be losing steam and Xabi Alonso wants to get him back. He needs him.

Dean Huijsen has only missed three matches this season. One due to injury and two recently because of a muscle injury that also kept him from traveling with the Spain national team, where he's also a regular starter. He's started all the other matches and has only been substituted once; although he left the field in the 89th minute. He also didn't finish the match against Real Sociedad, but in that case because he was sent off when only half an hour had passed.