Dean Huijsen strengthens Real Madrid starting claim as Eder Militao faces Mourinho dilemma

Jose Mourinho faces an increasingly difficult selection decision at Real Madrid as former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen strengthens his claim to a regular starting place, potentially complicating Eder Militao's return from injury.

Madrid's 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday was a significant result for Mourinho, whose side ended their rivals' perfect start to the La Liga season and reduced the gap at the top to three points.

Kylian Mbappe's two goals ultimately decided El Clasico, but an impressive defensive display also contributed to a victory secured without several established first-team players.

Huijsen was among Madrid's standout performers, producing the kind of commanding performance that had been missing during a difficult debut campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to statistics cited by Mundo Deportivo, the 21-year-old registered 10 clearances, four blocked shots and 16 defensive contributions, helping Madrid withstand Barcelona's attacking pressure.

He also completed 37 of his 45 passes, with seven reportedly breaking opposition lines, demonstrating that his defensive improvement has not come at the expense of the distribution that made him such an attractive prospect.

The performance has strengthened Huijsen's growing partnership with former Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, giving Mourinho a potential selection dilemma as Militao approaches full fitness.

Huijsen responds to Mourinho's demands after difficult Real Madrid debut season

Madrid signed Huijsen from Bournemouth in May 2025 for approximately £50m, following an impressive Premier League campaign that established the young defender as one of Europe's most promising centre-backs.

His arrival generated considerable excitement, particularly because of his composure in possession and ability to initiate attacks from deep.

However, his first season in Spain proved more complicated than expected.

Huijsen attracted criticism for inconsistent performances in major fixtures, particularly against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, where he was sent off during a derby in September 2025.

His difficulties continued during the campaign, ultimately contributing to his omission from Spain's squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Mourinho's arrival has since presented the defender with an opportunity to rebuild his reputation.

The Portuguese manager has placed particular emphasis on defensive aggression, concentration and winning individual duels, insisting that a centre-back's primary responsibility must come before his ability to distribute possession.

That message appears to have resonated with Huijsen, who acknowledged Mourinho's influence following Madrid's Champions League victory over Inter Milan in September.

"Mourinho is very demanding with me," Huijsen told Real Madrid's official website.

"He pushes me a lot, and that's good because he knows the qualities I have. He helps me a lot, and I'm happy."

The Spain international also explained that Mourinho wanted him to develop the defensive side of his game rather than concentrate exclusively on playing out from the back.

"He pushes me a lot so that I improve and take that step forward, which I think I'm doing," he added.

"We have to keep it up. Five games in football are nothing, and we need to play a good full season."

Huijsen's performance against Barcelona provided perhaps the clearest evidence yet of that progression.

His positioning, decision-making and willingness to contest defensive situations helped Madrid disrupt a Barcelona side accustomed to controlling possession.

The defender was also comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, offering Mourinho's team an important route out of their defensive third.

Such performances are becoming increasingly valuable as Madrid attempt to establish greater consistency after their disappointing results against Barcelona in recent seasons.

Militao faces competition as Huijsen and Konate establish Real Madrid partnership

Huijsen's emergence has coincided with a challenging period for Militao, whose repeated injury problems have restricted his involvement.

The Brazilian suffered a serious muscle injury in his left thigh in April, ruling him out of the World Cup and disrupting his preparations for the current campaign.

Although he has returned to the squad, the 28-year-old has made just one substitute appearance this season, playing approximately 10 minutes.

Mourinho has been reluctant to rush his recovery, despite previously expressing admiration for the defender's qualities.

Meanwhile, Huijsen has featured in 10 of Madrid's opening 13 matches across all competitions, missing the Villarreal encounter through suspension and remaining on the bench against Rayo Vallecano and Roma.

The Spaniard has consequently developed an understanding with Konate, who joined the Spanish giants after his time at Liverpool.

Their partnership has benefited from a run of matches together, with Huijsen's ability to distribute possession complementing the Frenchman's physical presence.

There is also competition from Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio, although both have experienced fitness problems.

For Militao, that creates a potentially awkward situation.

The Brazilian's experience and defensive qualities remain valuable, but his return to full fitness may no longer guarantee an immediate place in Mourinho's preferred XI.

Huijsen's display against Barcelona has given the manager another compelling reason to maintain his current partnership, particularly if the young defender continues to demonstrate the defensive reliability previously questioned by his critics.

Madrid travel to Racing Santander in La Liga on Sunday before visiting Valencia the following weekend, fixtures that will offer further opportunities to assess Mourinho's developing defensive structure.

Militao will hope to increase his involvement as his recovery progresses, but Huijsen has established a strong case to retain his starting role.

After responding to Mourinho's demands against Madrid's biggest rivals, the former Bournemouth defender is making the competition for places considerably more difficult.