Dean Huijsen: Is the Heir to Sergio Ramos's Number 4 Ready?

When Dean Huijsen put on the number 4 shirt at Real Madrid, the entire Bernabeu held its breath. That was not just a number on a jersey – it was the legacy of Sergio Ramos, an untouchable monument in world football history. But after a difficult start, the 21-year-old Spanish-born Dutch defender is beginning to prove he deserves this shirt, not through words, but through actions on the pitch. Joining Real Madrid from Bournemouth for a fee exceeding 60 million euros in the summer of 2026, Huijsen arrived under enormous pressure. His first season at the Bernabeu was a real challenge – persistent injuries and the intensity of elite football meant the young defender could not fully showcase his abilities. Many began to wonder: did Real Madrid spend too much money on a player who is still too young and has yet to prove himself on the big stage? But the 2026-27 season is painting a completely different picture. Huijsen's return is not merely a physical recovery – it is a mental transformation. The recent match against Inter Milan, where Real Madrid won 2-1, witnessed a completely different Huijsen: aggressive, fiery, and unafraid to challenge world-class attacking stars like Lautaro Martinez or Nicolo Barella. Those one-on-one duels seemed to devour opponents – something fans had never seen from him in the white shirt before. This change is not coincidental. Huijsen was once known as a calm centre-back with good game reading but lacking the necessary aggression for the position at a club like Real Madrid. However, the combination of being given the number 4 shirt – the symbol of Ramos's leadership and fighting spirit – and the deep understanding from the head coach, who previously worked with him at Roma, has awakened Huijsen's fighting instinct. But the biggest question is not how he has changed, but whether this change is sustainable. Elite football does not forgive inconsistency. Huijsen has proven he can face the world's best strikers, but can he maintain that level throughout a long season, through every match, every pressure? Football history is full of young talents who exploded then faded away. Look at the numbers. Last season, Real Madrid struggled with instability in defence – an issue that has persisted for several seasons. Spending over 60 million euros on a young centre-back shows the club has identified this position as a priority to reinforce. But modern football is not just about spending money. With the addition of another quality centre-back in the same transfer window (though not officially confirmed), Real Madrid is creating fierce competition for the starting spot. The tactical blind spot that no one mentions: Huijsen tends to be too aggressive. In a tense match, that aggression can be a double-edged sword. If he cannot control his emotions, he could accumulate yellow cards and miss crucial matches. His team – with their dominant possession-based play – will often face counter-attacks when losing the ball. An overly aggressive centre-back in those situations is perfect prey for intelligent strikers. But that is also Huijsen's value. He is not just a pure defensive centre-back – he has good technical foundations, passing ability, and the capacity to launch attacks from the back, which is rare for a young defender. The combination of technique and aggression is what makes a world-class centre-back, and Huijsen is gradually finding that balance. Huijsen's biggest challenge is not proving he is worth the 60 million euros. It is maintaining that level throughout the whole season, overcoming injuries and the terrible psychological pressure of carrying the legacy of a legend. Ramos is an icon – not just at Real Madrid but across Spain. Any comparison to him is a trap. But if there is one thing Huijsen has proven in recent months, it is that he is not afraid of those traps. Football is a sport of moments. And Huijsen's moment is coming. Will he seize it – or let it pass like so many other young talents who came to the Bernabeu with great expectations and left in silence? The answer lies in the feet and heart of this young man – who is gradually writing a new chapter for the legendary number 4 shirt. I have followed Huijsen since his days at Bournemouth, and I can say this: his progress is not accidental. It is the result of persistence, of understanding his own weaknesses and working tirelessly to overcome them. And in a football world where patience is increasingly rare, that might be the most valuable quality of a young player.