Jose Mourinho has held talks with Dean Huijsen about his expectations for the Real Madrid defender after making him a regular starter during an unbeaten beginning to the 2026/27 LaLiga campaign.
Mourinho returned to Madrid this summer for the first time since 2013 and has overseen three wins from three league matches. Real Madrid have conceded only two goals in those games, underlining the Portuguese manager’s early emphasis on defensive organisation.
One of the main focuses of Mourinho’s work has been 21-year-old centre-back Huijsen, whose first season at the club was inconsistent. The defender was also left out of Spain’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Spain won.
Mourinho confirmed that he had spoken to Huijsen about what would be required of him in a different role during the months ahead. The manager said he wanted the centre-back to combine his ability in possession with greater authority in defensive situations.
“We talked. I really like my centre-backs to have quality on the ball and play passes between the lines, but for me, the most important thing is strength, composure, ability to win duels, and to give the team confidence that we have two men at the back.
"He's improved a lot. He's been dominant and this is the version I want. If he can also be stylish and good with the ball, even better."
Huijsen has started all three of Real Madrid’s matches since Mourinho’s return. He played alongside Ibrahima Konate in two of those fixtures, while his other appearance came next to Antonio Rudiger.
The selection decisions represent an early show of faith in Huijsen from Mourinho, who has placed him at the centre of Real Madrid’s defensive plans despite the player’s uneven first campaign and his absence from Spain’s World Cup-winning squad.
Mourinho’s comments also make clear that passing ability, while valued, is not the main measure by which he will judge the defender. Strength, calmness under pressure and the capacity to win challenges are the qualities he believes must provide the foundation of Real Madrid’s back line.
The manager’s opening results have given the team a strong start under his leadership. With three victories and only two goals conceded, Mourinho’s return to Spanish football has so far been marked by defensive solidity, with Huijsen playing a prominent role in that approach.