The new signing of Real Madrid, Dean Huijsen, has said he wants to “be like Sergio Ramos”, praising the former captain of Madrid as his “idol” while admitting that he has already talked to coach Xabi Alonso about his role in the team.
Madrid confirmed the arrival of Central Huijsen, 20, last month with a five -year contract, and the defender is now in international service before the semifinal of the UEFA Nations League of Spain with France on Thursday.
Speaking to the newspaper Diario as after training with Spain on Monday, Huijsen cited the legend of Madrid Ramos, who won a large amount of trophies with the club for 16 years, as well as three main tournaments with his country, as an inspiration.
“I try to aspire to be like Sergio Ramos. He is my idol,” said Huijsen. “For me, it is very complete, I had everything. In terms of leadership, goals, personality, character.”
Huijsen, who was born in Amsterdam but grew in Malaga, has enjoyed a meteoric increase in the last 12 months, starring Bournemouth in the Premier League and making his debut in Spain in March, before signing for Madrid.
He played for Malaga at the youth level before signing for Juventus, on loan to Rome and joined Bournemouth in July 2024.
“My plan was to spend two years in Bournemouth and grow, and then discover what to do next,” he said. “But things have moved very fast, faster than I expected.”
Madrid is in the middle of a great remodeling of its defense after a disappointing season, with Huijsen already linked by the right side Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the club also works in an agreement for the left side Álvaro Carreras.
Huijsen said he has already talked to the new coach Xabi Alonso, who took over Carlo Ancelotti after Madrid finished the campaign without an important trophy, about his plans, with the club that will participate in the Club World Cup this month.
“We have talked a bit about the team and what you have in mind and about the project,” said Huijsen. “Of course, we want to win things again, and I'm sure we'll do it … I don't think it's yet sunk. But I'm here in Madrid and I will try to do my best.”
In Madrid, Huijsen joins a costume full of stars, which nevertheless could not gelify this season.
Ancelotti left, to take charge of Brazil, after the club ended second in LaLig Classic Defeats to Barcelona.
“I want to play with the best,” said Huijsen. “[Kylian] Mbappé, Vinícius [Júnior]Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham, all who are in attack, are some of the best there are. “
Madrid will begin its Club Cup campaign against Al Hilal in Miami, Florida, on June 18, before playing Pachuca on June 22, and Salzburg on June 26.
