Dean Huijsen has reunited with José Mourinho at Real Madrid after first entering senior European football under the Portuguese coach during his loan spell at Roma.
Dean Huijsen’s time at Roma was brief, but the experience represented an important step in the young defender’s rapid rise to the top of European football.
The Spanish international joined the Giallorossi on loan from Juventus in January 2024, with José Mourinho playing an influential role in bringing him to the Italian capital. Although the coach departed shortly after his arrival, Huijsen has never forgotten the opportunity Mourinho gave him.
“I was fortunate to meet Mourinho at AS Roma,” Huijsen said. “He gave me the opportunity to enter top-level football.”
Huijsen Reunites With Mourinho at Real Madrid
Following his six-month spell at Roma, Huijsen left Juventus and joined Bournemouth during the summer of 2024. His performances in the Premier League quickly attracted attention from Europe’s biggest clubs, leading Real Madrid to sign him one year later.
Huijsen has now reunited with Mourinho in the Spanish capital and has established himself as an important part of the Portuguese coach’s defence.
“Mourinho is very demanding with me,” Huijsen recently told Real Madrid’s official website. “He pushes me a lot, and that is good because he knows the qualities I have. He helps me a lot, and I am happy.”
The defender had already expressed his gratitude toward Mourinho when he was officially presented by Real Madrid in 2025.
“When Mourinho calls, you have to listen,” he said at the time. “I will always be grateful to him. For me, he is one of the best and one of the greatest coaches in football history.”
Mourinho Places His Trust in Huijsen
Mourinho has placed considerable faith in Huijsen since taking charge at Real Madrid, regularly selecting him alongside Ibrahima Konaté at the heart of the defence.
The pair have quickly developed a promising partnership, with Huijsen praising the qualities of his teammate.
“He is a beast,” Huijsen said of Konaté. “Defensively, he is very solid, good with the ball, strong, fast and tall. He is excellent in the challenges, and I think we complement each other well.”
Huijsen’s ball-playing ability and composure have helped him become a central figure in Mourinho’s plans as the coach attempts to develop the defender into one of Europe’s best in his position.
Roma Played an Important Role in Huijsen’s Rise
Despite making only 14 appearances during his loan spell, Roma provided Huijsen with his first consistent opportunity at senior level in one of Europe’s leading leagues.
That experience prepared him for his move to England and ultimately helped him earn a transfer to Real Madrid. His development is another example of a young player using a spell in the Italian capital as a springboard toward the highest level.
The renewed partnership could also be relevant to Roma’s future dealings with Real Madrid, with the Giallorossi continuing to monitor players such as Endrick ahead of the January transfer window.
For Huijsen, however, the reunion carries personal significance. Mourinho opened the door to top-level football for him at Roma, and the two are now working together again at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Source: Real Madrid, Mundo Deportivo
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