Premier League Boss Stuns Football World by Backing Surprise Real Madrid Star for Ballon d'Or Glory
Bournemouth's football operations president Tiago Pinto declared that Real Madrid's summer acquisition Dean Huijsen is the "sole center-back" capable of claiming the Ballon d'Or in the future.
Following an impressive campaign with the Cherries, Huijsen's reputation soared dramatically, prompting Los Blancos to shell out a club-record £50 million ($67.2 million) for the Spanish international before the 2025–26 campaign. The 20-year-old became the costliest defender in the club's history.
Huijsen showed promise initially in Real Madrid colors during the Club World Cup and early matches under previous manager Xabi Alonso, but his performances declined in October and he hasn't quite regained the standard required at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Nevertheless, Pinto supports the ex-Bournemouth star to achieve remarkable success as he continues developing his abilities. "I'll provide you with a statement: In my opinion, he's the sole center-back capable of winning the Ballon d'Or. That's my assessment of Dean Huijsen," he shared with MARCA.
"He operates with both feet... He possesses height, finds the net regularly, and demonstrates exceptional technical skills. I maintain that among players I'm familiar with, he's the only central defender who could claim the Ballon d'Or."
Huijsen Expected to be a Future Leader at Real Madrid
Huijsen Expected to be a Future Leader at Real Madrid
Huijsen arrived in the Spanish capital carrying significant expectations, not only due to his transfer fee, but also his five-year deal. Real Madrid invested their trust in the 20-year-old to eventually become their defensive cornerstone.
Considering Antonio Rüdiger is 32 and entering his contract's final six months, while David Alaba is a year senior and also anticipated to depart this summer, Éder Militão would remain as the sole experienced center-back at the Bernabéu. However, the 28-year-old's injury-prone history makes him a questionable defensive anchor.
The route for Huijsen to emerge and eventually command the team's defensive line is evident, potentially bringing ball-playing elegance that his current teammates and even club icons like Sergio Ramos lacked. However, his current self-assurance appears diminished.
"I've endured several injuries recently and finally feel physically prepared," Huijsen shared with Movistar+ following Real Madrid's 6–1 victory over Monaco. "I've been competing while injured for two to three months, unable to run at full capacity. I'm pleased to feel healthy because my previous performances weren't at my peak."
Huijsen made his comeback from injury during the Spanish Super Cup final versus Barcelona, delivering the poorest defensive display on the field. Seven days later against Levante, new manager Álvaro Arbeloa substituted him after 60 minutes following several questionable, anxious choices.
The defender then delivered an outstanding performance against Monaco, increasingly resembling the player Real Madrid recruited during the summer.
Pinto Calls for Patience Amid Huijsen's Struggles
Pinto Calls for Patience Amid Huijsen's Struggles
It has undoubtedly been a turbulent seven months for Huijsen, who joined Real Madrid in May before making his debut a month later at the Club World Cup. Since then, the Spanish defender has accumulated 26 appearances in Madrid colors, participated in his inaugural Clásico and Madrid derby, endured persistent injuries, and witnessed the club replace Alonso with Arbeloa as head coach.
There may have been more adjustment challenges than anticipated, both professionally and personally, for Huijsen's transition from the Premier League to La Liga, but Pinto maintains complete faith in the promising talent.
"You cannot expect them to 'conquer' Real Madrid within six months. They're an enormous institution. They must learn and develop additional aspects," Pinto explained.
Huijsen has the opportunity to compensate for his uncertain beginning at Real Madrid by delivering a strong second half of the season. The team trails Barcelona by just one point in La Liga and currently occupies third position in the Champions League standings with one fixture remaining.
With numerous injuries affecting Los Blancos' defense, Arbeloa requires Huijsen to elevate his performance if the Spanish powerhouse hopes to compete for silverware.