Huijsen: "Mourinho puts a lot of pressure on me"

The arrival of José Mourinho at Real Madrid has changed the start of the season for Dean Huijsen. The 20-year-old center-back, signed last year for 50 million euros from Bournemouth, has left behind an inconsistent first campaign to become a regular starter. His reliability and improved defending are among the best news for the club in the opening weeks.

• Huijsen is the only outfield player at Real Madrid to have played every minute of the five official matches so far.
• The defender says Mourinho demands aggression, interceptions and winning individual duels.
• Mourinho praised Huijsen's quick defensive progress after the win against Málaga.
• Huijsen and the Portuguese coach already worked together at Roma, where the defender made his breakthrough in professional football.

From an up-and-down year under Alonso to a fresh start with Mourinho

Last season was far from easy for Huijsen. He arrived at Real Madrid as a future project, but his first campaign was marked by inconsistency. He began as a starter under Xabi Alonso before gradually losing his place. His confidence dropped along with his minutes, and by the final stretch under Arbeloa he had been reduced to a marginal role. That lack of playing time also cost him a spot in the World Cup squad.

Mourinho's arrival changed everything. The Portuguese coach, who had already worked with Huijsen at Roma, restored his confidence from day one. Wearing the number four shirt, the defender is the only outfield player to have completed all five official matches: four in La Liga and one in the Champions League.

The constant pressure that drives Huijsen forward

Mourinho puts a lot of pressure on me and I think that benefits me.

Huijsen has no doubts that the daily demands from the coach are one of the main reasons behind his strong form. Speaking to Real Madrid's official media, the defender said he feels in top shape and credited much of his improvement to his work with Mourinho. He explained that the coach asks for the same things as his previous managers, but with a different intensity.

The Spain international noted that Mourinho constantly demands defensive aggression, interceptions and the ability to win individual duels. That pressure does not overwhelm him. It helps him stay focused and raise his competitive level. Huijsen believes this kind of demand is exactly what he needs to establish himself at the highest level.

A connection with Mourinho built in Rome

Huijsen and Mourinho have not needed time to adapt to one another. They previously worked together at Roma, during a key stage in the defender's career. Huijsen acknowledged that the Portuguese coach gave him the great opportunity of his professional life: it was under Mourinho that he made his breakthrough in elite football. For that, the defender says he will remain grateful forever.

That previous connection helps explain why Huijsen has started the season with such confidence. Mourinho has not only handed him a starting role but has also publicly praised his progress. After the win over Málaga, the Real Madrid coach was especially pleased with the young center-back's development.

Mourinho impressed by Huijsen's defensive improvement

He has improved a lot in very little time.

Mourinho rarely singles out individual players for praise, but he has made an exception for Huijsen. The Portuguese coach emphasized after the Málaga victory the importance of having center-backs who are strong, secure and able to win their duels. For Mourinho, what matters most is that the defensive pairing gives the rest of the team confidence. In that regard, Huijsen's recent displays have impressed him.

The coaching staff particularly values the defender's ability to stay focused for the full 90 minutes and his growth in reading the game. His progress is clear, and his presence in every minute of the five official matches confirms it. Huijsen has gone from an intermittent prospect to a key piece of Real Madrid's new defensive setup.

The challenge of holding down a permanent starting role

The main challenge for Huijsen now is maintaining this level throughout the entire season. Competition within the squad is high, and the schedule will become more demanding with the Champions League and international fixtures. His start, however, gives plenty of reasons for optimism. The center-back has shown he can handle Mourinho's demands and become a leader at the back.

Real Madrid are enjoying a defender with top-level potential, while Huijsen has found the ideal environment to fulfill it. His connection with Mourinho began in Rome and is now translating into confidence, minutes and results. The defender's strong start to the season is one of the best pieces of news for a project looking to rebuild from the back.

Frequently asked questions about Huijsen and Mourinho