Ahead of today’s highly anticipated El Clásico, Real Madrid’s starting XI is largely decided, but manager Xabi Alonso faced a last-minute decision regarding the centre-back position alongside the assured Eder Militao.
The uncertainty stemmed from the return of young defender Dean Huijsen, who has been sidelined with a muscle injury since the beginning of the month.
During Huijsen’s absence, Raúl Asencio has capably filled the void, delivering convincing performances and making a strong case for inclusion.
However, a recent report by AS, as relayed by Madrid Universal, indicates that Alonso has made his choice clear: Huijsen is expected to return to the starting XI for the season’s biggest game, despite not having featured since October 4th.
The decision hinges on Huijsen’s tactical profile, which is considered irreplaceable for this specific match-up against Barcelona. The report notes that Huijsen’s value extends “far beyond just his defensive skillset” as he is “not only an adept player in his position but a fabulous ball distributor, something that will be crucial against Barcelona.”
This ability to play out under intense pressure is described as “a quality that is worth its weight in gold against Barcelona, who press high from the get-go.”
While the manager’s preference is rooted in tactical superiority, the risk remains that the player has not featured for close to a month, potentially leading to rustiness or less than optimal physical condition.
The source suggests, “That is, however, the risk Alonso must take if he wishes to utilise Huijsen’s expertise on the night.”
The manager’s selection simplifies the central defensive pairing, prioritizing ball-playing ability from the back to counter Barcelona’s aggressive pressing strategy in the pivotal La Liga fixture.