Highly-rated defensive target breaks silence on Real Madrid’s interest – ‘Source of pride’ | OneFootball

The centre-back department has given Real Madrid enough worries this season and it is clear that something must change in the summer.

While the return of Eder Militao will add depth, Los Blancos relied on the same factor last season and saw the player suffer a fresh injury. A new signing, at this point, is a must.

Given the riches of the Spanish national selection in terms of young and upcoming centre-backs, it is no surprise that Real Madrid have their eyes on the Spanish market and Dean Huijsen is one such player who catches their eye despite playing in the Premier League.

Real Madrid target speaks

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the Spanish defensive protege commented on Real Madrid’s interest in his signing and how it was a testament to his development.

Dean Huijsen feels proud to be linked with Real Madrid. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

“It’s a source of pride to have a big team interested in you; it’s special and means you’re doing well.”

He was then asked about his role model as a defender, and he revealed that he looked up to a Real Madrid legend as the best defender in history.

“Ramos, for me, is the best defender in history. He had everything. He was good at clearing the ball, had an aggressive defensive spirit, was a leader, and scored goals, which made him an important player for the team.”

“And he’s also from the south like me. I think we’re a bit similar,” he added.

Speaking about the top defenders in the game right now, Huijsen said,

“There are very good centre-backs in the world like Van Dijk, who I think is the best at the moment. I really like Ramos and Pique.”

Rejecting Real Madrid in the past

Dean Huijsen rejected Real Madrid in the past. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

When the youngster left Mallorca for Juventus back in 2023, he had an offer from Real Madrid as well to play for the subsidiary team. Elaborating on his decision to choose Italy as his destination, he said,

“I think it was a well-thought-out decision. I wanted to move to Juventus because of Italy’s reputation for defence, with Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli, and those historic defenders. I wanted to learn defensive skills.”

“They’re also taught in Spain, but in Italy, they’re more worked on. I think it was the right decision,” he added.

Finally, he opened up on why he felt moving to Real Madrid at that point was not the best solution for him citing the importance of growing under veterans at that age.

“You never know how things would have gone, it was a very good choice, but at the time I thought the best thing for me was to learn a little bit about the defensive side and I think I already learned that in Italy.”

Source: MARCA