Real Madrid Confidencial Valverde reveals the player who will succeed Kroos at Madrid: 'He passes like him'
The Uruguayan believes that Huijsen's ball distribution is unbelievable and compares his passes to those of the German
Dean Huijsen has arrived at Real Madrid to stay. The young center-back has already made a very positive impression on the Madridist environment. His quality with the ball at his feet hasn't gone unnoticed.
One of the first to praise him was Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan didn't hold back when comparing him to a white legend: "Dean Huijsen handles the ball very well and made a pass like Toni Kroos."
It's not easy to receive that kind of praise. Especially coming from a player like Valverde, who shared a locker room with Kroos for years and saw him as an idol.
The Uruguayan sees enormous potential in Huijsen. Above all, in a quality that's very rare in center-backs: his vision of play.
His long passes, his precision, and his ability to start plays from the back have made him one of the biggest surprises at the start of this cycle.
A center-back with the soul of a midfielder
Huijsen was signed to rejuvenate the defense. But his impact goes much further. Xabi Alonso already considers him essential to his play style.
The Andalusian, raised in Italian soccer and toughened in the Premier League with Bournemouth, shows maturity despite his young age. In England, they still regret his departure.
In Madrid, they see something more than a defender in him. His reading of the game and his composure are reminiscent of players with many years of experience.
The club paid €59 million ($59 million) for him. A figure that now seems like a bargain. In just a few weeks, he has convinced everyone.
Huijsen has stated that he feels grateful. "I thank Florentino Pérez and everyone who made this possible. I'm delighted," the player confessed.
He knows that he has a great opportunity and doesn't want to waste it.
Kroos's legacy in good hands
The German is no longer here. But his influence is still alive. Meanwhile, Valverde sums it up in a phrase that changes everything: "He makes passes like him."
Real Madrid believes that Huijsen can define an era. His first big test will be against Juventus, in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup.
There, once again, the ball's release will start at his feet.
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