Real Madrid News
Stats suggest Real Madrid may have discovered the new Sergio Ramos
Real Madrid’s latest signing, Dean Huijsen, has made an immediate impact since joining the club, showing calmness, confidence, and maturity well beyond his years.
The 20-year-old centre-back has stepped up in a big way at the FIFA Club World Cup, playing a key role in both of the team’s matches so far.
With injuries hitting Real Madrid’s defence hard, Huijsen has taken the opportunity to shine and he has done so in style.
In the space of a few weeks, Huijsen’s footballing life has changed dramatically, and he’s responded with the kind of poise that suggests he is here to stay.
For a player who idiolised former Madrid captain Sergio Ramos growing up, following his footsteps through such performances are certain to bring up comparisions once the 2025/26 season starts
A new defensive leader
Huijsen’s performances have not only been solid defensively, but they have also underlined his ability to control the game from the back.
To put things in perspective, no defender at the Club World Cup has made more passes than Huijsen, 137 in total.
Impressively, 60 of those were progressive passes breaking the lines, showcasing the Spaniard’s role as the launchpad for Real Madrid’s attacks.
Even players like Aurelien Tchouameni, who had to cover at centre-back due to Raul Asencio’s red card, couldn’t match Huijsen’s output.
His 88% pass accuracy, combined with his average of 61.3 passes per game since joining Madrid, exceeds even the numbers posted by legendary midfielders like Sergio Busquets in his prime.
The youngster’s development since his time at Bournemouth is evident. Back then, he averaged around 50 passes per game, but under Xabi Alonso’s structured system at Real Madrid, Huijsen has become a far more prominent figure in possession.
His long strides, accurate distribution, and confidence on the ball have made him not just a reliable defender but also a key contributor to Madrid’s build-up play.
Huijsen now finds himself among the top centre-backs in terms of progressive passing, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Niklas Sule (Borussia Dortmund), Alexander Barboza (Botafogo), and Lucas Beraldo (PSG).
With Alonso looking to mould a modern, ball-playing defence, Dean Huijsen is already proving to be the perfect fit for the future of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid News
Mbappe elated after being named Real Madrid Player of the Month for August: ‘We can do great things this year’
Kylian Mbappe has been named Real Madrid Player of the Month for August after an impressive start to the 2026/27 season.
The French forward was recognised for his performances during the month, featuring in all three of Real Madrid’s matches and scoring four goals.
Mbappe opened his goalscoring account for the season in Real Madrid’s second game of the season against Real Sociedad, plundering a hat-trick in a 4-1 win.
The France captain was on target again in the next game, scoring in a 4-0 win over newly-promoted La Liga side, Malaga.
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— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 10, 2026
✨ Jugador Cinco Estrellas
📅 Agosto
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Mbappe happy with positive start
After receiving the award at the training facilities earlier today, Mbappe spoke to RMTV, talking positively about the team’s start to the campaign and outlined his ambitions for the months ahead.
“We’ve started the season positively. I hope we can continue like this on Saturday. I think there can be a lot of success this season,” he said.
The Real Madrid forward is determined to play his part as the team pursue trophies on multiple fronts.
“I’m really looking forward to helping the team and showing that we can do great things this year. I’m always happy to play here. I know it’s a privilege,” he noted.
Welcoming the new arrivals
Mbappe also discussed the new faces who have joined the squad, stressing the importance of ensuring everyone settles quickly into the team.
After all, Real Madrid have made as many as six new additions in Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Carlos Espi, Denzel Dumfries, and Yan Diomande.
“It’s always good to see new faces. They come wanting to help the badge and Real Madrid. We’ve tried to make sure everyone adapts in the best possible way so that we can all move in the same direction,” he stated.
With the squad continuing to improve, Mbappe believes unity will be crucial as Real Madrid aim for a successful season.
The France captain’s four goals in August, coupled with his strike against Inter Milan earlier this week, have provided an early indication of his importance to the side as Real Madrid look to bring trophies back at the Bernabeu.
