Enrique Sanz Huijsen sneaks into the Golden Boy odds, only 2 footballers surpass him
The Spanish footballer, who has just arrived at Real Madrid, demonstrates all his quality wearing the white kit
One of the positive surprises for Real Madrid during Xabi Alonso's tenure as the Merengue coach is Dean Huijsen. The footballer arrived from AFC Bournemouth before the Club World Cup, a signing that seemed as essential as it was demanded by the new coach of the white squad.
The shortage of center-backs experienced during the 24/25 season could not be repeated under Xabi Alonso's technical direction, a situation that would be about to happen. The impressions left by Raúl Asencio and Antonio Rüdiger, after their respective forgettable performances during the Club World Cup, have cast doubts on the debate about the defensive line.
While the executives led by Florentino Pérez keep searching for the center-back Xabi Alonso would have requested, Dean Huijsen has established himself as the Basque coach's first choice in just a few weeks. So much so that his newly started career in Santiago Bernabéu locker room brings him closer to a prestigious individual award.
According to some internationally renowned sports media, Real Madrid's new "24" would be in third place to win the Kopa Trophy. Informally known as the Golden Boy, this award recognizes the best under-21 player of the year. Dean Huijsen's merits are more than well known.
Unexpected emergence
First under the tactical command of Andoni Iraola, his coach at the cherry club, now following Xabi Alonso's instructions. His defensive strength, especially in aerial play, and his great ability to handle the ball are two of his most notable virtues... which would have led him to be among the top ten under-21 players: only Desiré Doué and Pau Cubarsí are currently ahead.
This gain in prestige, fully entering the competition for this year's Kopa Trophy, is accompanied by his consolidation as Real Madrid's first center-back. Xabi Alonso only trusts the defender from Málaga, given the complications of other footballers.
In addition to the questioned Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio, David Alaba's new injury makes him lose a lot of ground regarding his continuity. The executives led by Florentino Pérez are trying to arrange a sale for the last weeks of the 2025 transfer window, a task that seems an ordeal. Many point out that the Austrian "4" will run out his contract next year and will leave as a free agent.
The doubts about Éder Militão come from the physical side. The "3" verdeamarelo has recovered properly from his new knee injury, but he barely played in the Club World Cup. The preseason will be crucial to judge his return to the field and determine whether he is ready to be Dean Huijsen's "squire" at the heart of the defense.
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