Real Madrid suffers a significant setback in the title race

The young defender Dean Huijsen has been competing while dealing with calf pain for weeks, quietly affecting his form and role at Real Madrid.

After joining Real Madrid for a fee reaching 58 million euros in June 2025, Dean Huijsen quickly became a highly anticipated player. The 20-year-old center-back impressed strongly in his early appearances thanks to his excellent reading of the game, ideal physique, and rare confidence for a young player wearing the Royal Madrid jersey. Many assessments suggested that Real Madrid had secured a defensive cornerstone for many years ahead.

However, as the season progressed towards its final stages, Huijsen’s performance showed a clear decline. Mistakes in decision-making, reduced ability in duels, and sluggishness in defensive situations became increasingly frequent, especially in the most recent match against Rayo Vallecano. Surprisingly, the cause was not entirely due to technical skills or psychological pressure, but rather a prolonged physical issue.

According to Diario AS, Huijsen has been playing for many weeks while experiencing pain and discomfort in his calf. This injury is not new. Back in October, the Spanish center-back had to miss several matches due to a similar problem. In December, he was again sidelined briefly because of a muscle injury. Although he returned to the pitch, Huijsen’s calf injury is believed never to have fully healed.

Consistently playing without optimal fitness has made it difficult for Huijsen to perform at his best. Persistent pain directly affects his speed, explosiveness, and confidence in his actions, which negatively impacts his overall form. This is considered the main reason his performances have not lived up to the high transfer fee expectations.

Pressure at Santiago Bernabeu has thus intensified. During the 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano, Huijsen even faced boos from some supporters, indicating that patience is wearing thin. For Real Madrid, where the standards for excellence and consistency are extremely high, any dip in form is quickly magnified.

Huijsen’s situation becomes even more challenging as other defensive options are nearing a return. Antonio Rudiger is recovering from injury and expected to come back soon, while David Alaba remains an experienced alternative that the coaching staff can rely on. Without improving his fitness and form soon, Huijsen risks losing his starting position.

Currently, Real Madrid’s challenge is not only about technical skills but also managing the physical condition of a young talent. For Huijsen, resting and fully treating his calf injury could be the key to regaining his form, rather than continuing to play in pain and losing the trust of the Bernabeu fans.