Real Madrid News
Huijsen, Courtois react after Schalke 0-3 Real Madrid: ‘Something I’ve always dreamed of’
Dean Huijsen enjoyed a special moment in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Schalke 04 on Sunday, scoring a goal and speaking about what it means to wear the club’s famous number 4 shirt.
The young centre-back, who grew up admiring Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, admitted that taking on the number previously associated with his idol is something he had always hoped for.
Huijsen also found the net in the friendly, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made his return after overcoming the issue that forced him to miss Belgium’s final World Cup match.
Huijsen opens up on wearing Real Madrid’s number 4
Huijsen scored Real Madrid’s second goal after meeting an Arda Guler corner with a header, but afterwards, his attention turned to the significance of the shirt number he now wears.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV, Huijsen explained why the number 4 holds such importance for him, saying,
“It’s something I’ve always dreamed of; my idol was Ramos and for me it’s a dream to be able to wear it.”
The goal itself came from a well-worked set-piece, with Guler delivering from the left and Huijsen rising to direct his header into the net.
Reflecting on the moment and the team’s display, the defender said,
“A good cross from Arda (Güler), I got my head to it and was lucky enough to score. I’m pleased with the team’s performance; we’re making a good impression.”
Huijsen also offered an insight into the demands Jose Mourinho has placed on the squad during preparations.
The Portuguese manager has clearly set high standards, both physically and tactically.
“We’re training hard, running a lot; he demands a lot from us and that’s good for us.
“As a centre-back, I need to be solid and try to keep a clean sheet, and as a team, we need to stick together and support one another,” he concluded.
Courtois declares himself ready
On the other hand, Courtois was another positive for Real Madrid against Schalke, with the Belgian goalkeeper playing the first half and showing no obvious signs of the physical problem that interrupted his World Cup campaign.
The 34-year-old revealed that he used his break to ensure he returned in the right condition and even came back early for extra individual work.
“Right, I did a lot of gym work during my holidays to stay in shape.
“I came back a couple of days early because I felt I needed to do some individual training to be ready. I tested myself today and it went well.”
With the Schalke match serving as Real Madrid’s final test before the new campaign, Courtois was pleased with what he saw from the team.
“It was the final test before we kick off and it was important to put in a good performance; I think we did just that.
“We were solid at the back, created plenty of chances, played well, and physically I think everyone looks in great shape.”
The goalkeeper also highlighted the mood inside the squad heading into the season, saying,
“We’re really excited. After the World Cup, we’ve built up our form gradually, but the team is raring to go; everyone wants a great season.
“I can see a lot of commitment and a real eagerness to get started.”
Finally, Courtois outlined Mourinho’s main demand from his players, stating,
“A lot of concentration at every moment of the match – on corner kicks, free-kicks, every second of the match – playing well and with a serious attitude,” he concluded.
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
