Real Madrid’s recruitment has come under scrutiny in recent years and one of their recent signings has failed to live up to expectations. The La Liga giants are renowned for pulling off Galactico-esque transfers which includes bringing superstars to the Bernabeu.
The club’s current strategy is to target youth who have world class potential. They have found some success with this approach amid the likes of Arda Guler, Franco Mastantuono and Endrick looking primed to become household names in years to come.
Madrid used this process when strengthening their defense last summer. They opted to trigger the €59m release clause in Dean Huijsen’s contract with Bournemouth.
Real Madrid’s Huijsen at risk of the axe
Huijsen’s stock was sky high at the time having been a key player under Andoni Iraola. He arrived at the Bernabeu as one of the most brightest defensive prospects in world football.
It’s been a difficult debut season for the 20-year-old whose form and injury troubles have raised concerns over his place in the Madrid team. He has made 25 appearances across competitions, providing one goal and two assists.
Huijsen has remained a starter under Alvaro Arbeloa in recent weeks despite many Madridistas calling out his unconvincing performances. That might not be the case for much longer judging by a report from Spanish outlet SPORT.
It’s claimed that Antonio Rudiger’s return from injury is likely to put Huijsen at risk of the drop. The veteran German has been a regular for Los Blancos over the years and seems set to continue in the starting lineup.
Raul Asencio has impressed and as such will keep his place in Arbeloa’s side even with Rudiger returning. Huijsen is the one who is expected to make way for the 32-year-old and have to accept a place on the bench for the time being.
Did Madrid rush to soon to sign Huijsen?
Huijsen was clearly still developing at Bournemouth despite showing maturity beyond his years. He was hailed by many in English football due to his consistency at the Vitality.
The Spanish center-back has failed to replicate such displays in the Spanish capital. The pressure of playing for arguably the biggest club in the world can take its toll.
Huijsen was in-demand when Madrid swooped for his signature and had plenty of interest from the Premier League. But he’s been thrown into the deep end from the off at the Bernabeu and it’s clearly been a lot for the young defender too handle.
