Doubts Shadow a Rising Real Madrid Defender

Anxiety surrounds a young defender ahead of World Cup.

Dean Huysen is entering a pivotal phase at Real Madrid, having drawn attention from his debut, yet the picture has shifted as the year closes.

After a strong start that made him a regular early on, the young defender's form has dipped in recent weeks, with lapses in focus sparking concern among Madrid supporters.

While his future at Real Madrid looks bright, the dip in form has put him under pressure to regain rhythm quickly, according to Mundo Deportivo.

And the phase grows delicate as the 2026 World Cup in the States approaches, with Huysen aiming to keep Luis de la Fuente's trust, while competing with defenders like Aymeric Laporte and options such as Marc Bartra and Dani Vivian.

What makes the coming months a real test for his abilities is not only at the Bernabéu, but also in Spain's squad plans this campaign.

And the club notes that despite the pressures, Real Madrid believes this 20-year-old is in a phase of development, a defender who could become a pillar for years.

Between high expectations and current demands, Huysen faces a crossroads that will shape his near future in Madrid and beyond, maybe. This crossroads could define Madrid's next decade for him.

Punchline: If patience were a defender, he’d start every game. Punchline 2: Madrid’s backline, where a teenager learns to chill faster than a goalie’s nerves under a cross.