Flick’s Barça Tried to Tempt a Real Madrid Player — But His Answer Was Clear
Barcelona saw Dean Huijsen as the ideal replacement after the departure of Iñigo Martínez. The Catalan club had been tracking the young defender for some time and even explored the possibility of bringing him to the Camp Nou. However, between financial limitations and the player’s firm desire to wear only white, the idea of Huijsen in a Barça shirt was little more than wishful thinking from Joan Laporta and Hansi Flick.
Huijsen’s rise at Real Madrid has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite his age, he plays with the composure of a seasoned veteran and has quickly become a central figure in Xabi Alonso’s project. His unique profile — a defender with the vision and technique of a midfielder — allows him to dictate play from the back and link seamlessly with teammates using both feet. It’s a rare skill set, and one that makes Huijsen a standout presence in European footbal
A Defender With Exceptional Vision
Dean Huijsen’s intelligence on the pitch, combined with his refined touch and technical quality, allows him to deliver incisive through balls that consistently trouble opposing defenses. Defensively, he excels in interceptions and aerial duels, making him a complete center-back. For that reason, those inside Real Madrid are thrilled with his signing, confident it will prove to be a bargain in the long run.
A Phenomenal Projection
Huijsen is widely regarded as one of the most promising defenders in world football, and Real Madrid consider themselves fortunate to have secured his talents. His ability to progress the ball out from the back is arguably unmatched among his peers, making him a natural fit for a possession-based system like Barcelona’s. In fact, Barça had envisioned pairing him with Pau Cubarsí — tipped to be a future starter for Spain — in what could have been a dream defensive partnership. Instead, Madrid now boast a generational talent who looks set to anchor their backline for years to come.
Unstoppable Rise
Since arriving at Real Madrid, some doubters have tried to play down Dean Huijsen’s impact — but their criticism has quickly been silenced. The young defender is delivering outstanding performances, to the point where his progress has even surprised many inside the club.
Huijsen is viewed as a player without limits, blessed with both talent and personality. What sets him apart is his composure: the ball never unsettles him, and he plays with remarkable calmness while wearing the shirt of the world’s biggest club.
