Better than Kroos: the unbelievable record Huijsen broke in his debut at Bernabéu

The Club World Cup showed what a great center-back Dean Huijsen is despite being only 20 years old. His defensive solidity, aerial play, and intelligence on the field were key to the great tournament the team had. Now, after his debut in LaLiga against Osasuna, and according to what we know at Defensa Central, Huijsen set a record by completing 11 long balls.

Among all the players who managed to play the first matchday of LaLiga, the Premier League, and Ligue 1, none matched Huijsen's numbers. In just the first half of the match against Osasuna, Huijsen succeeded with 11 out of his 12 long balls. This statistic reminded Madridists of Toni Kroos.

The German midfielder was one of the best players in the history of this sport and of Real Madrid. His precision with long balls was legendary, succeeding with the vast majority of his attempts. This is why Huijsen's feat, being a center-back and not a midfielder, is generating a lot of discussion.

The unexpected new Kroos

Trained in the youth academies of Málaga and Juventus, Dean Huijsen went through the first team of the Bianconeri and Roma before arriving at Bournemouth. Signed in 2024, the Spanish center-back quickly earned his place as an undisputed starter. Despite being 19 years old at the time, Huijsen was one of the great revelations of the Premier League.

For this and many other reasons, Real Madrid had no doubts about carrying out his signing. Although Huijsen arrived at the club to be the leader of the backline, the Spaniard has shown his quality as a midfielder. Reminding people of Toni Kroos with his long balls is the best recognition the young center-back could receive.

Although this won't cause a change in Huijsen's position, it is a quality the team will keep in mind. His 11 out of 12 long balls prove the quality Real Madrid has in each of its players. Looking ahead to the next match against Real Oviedo, Xabi could use this skill of Huijsen's to seek victory.

The best signing of the summer

Pending the progress of Trent, Carreras, and Mastantuono, Dean Huijsen is proving to be the best signing Real Madrid has made. His youth brings relief to the team by having a solid backline for the next decade. Moreover, with the performance he is having, Huijsen is on track to become a future Real Madrid legend.