Jose Mourinho remains confident in Dean Huijsen despite the Real Madrid defender receiving a third red card in just 52 appearances. The latest dismissal came during the Madrid derby against Atletico, where Huijsen was sent off in the 52nd minute for bringing down Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area, conceding a penalty that Atletico converted.
Huijsen’s red card left Real Madrid with ten men in a match they struggled to recover from. It was his third red card since joining the club, with two coming in La Liga and one during the Club World Cup. All three dismissals occurred after fouls committed while Huijsen was the last defender, a pattern that has raised concerns about his disciplinary record.
Mourinho, who manages Real Madrid, still sees Huijsen as a promising player capable of becoming a regular starter. According to AS, the manager believes Huijsen has shown enough quality at the start of the season to cement his place in the squad. Mourinho is convinced that with the right guidance, Huijsen can improve his decision-making and reduce these costly mistakes.
Huijsen’s disciplinary issues are particularly striking given that he never received a red card during his time with Bournemouth, Roma, or Juventus. The change in playing style at Real Madrid offers some explanation. Mourinho’s team defends with a high line, which exposes centre-backs to fast transitions and forces them into difficult situations when opponents break through.
This tactical approach increases the chances of defenders like Huijsen having to make split-second decisions that sometimes lead to fouls and dismissals. While this does not excuse the red cards, it sheds light on the challenges the young defender faces adapting to Real Madrid’s defensive system.
Despite the setbacks, Mourinho has not lost faith. He views Huijsen’s strong performances as outweighing his disciplinary lapses and is focused on helping the defender overcome these moments. The manager’s approach suggests an emphasis on development rather than sidelining the player due to these issues.
Huijsen has also recently returned to the Spanish national team, indicating his rising profile beyond the club level. This international call-up adds another layer of expectation and scrutiny to his performances.
The latest red card came just last weekend, making it a fresh concern for Real Madrid as they continue their campaign. Mourinho’s trust in Huijsen remains, but the challenge for the defender is clear: to curb the fouls that have led to his three dismissals and secure his place without disciplinary distractions.
According to Yahoo Sports.