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Real Madrid News Real Madrid 21-year-old star in line to start vs Espanyol after strong pre-season Pre-season provided a real opportunity for some Real Madrid players to impress Jose Mourinho, and it looks like some stars have caught the manager’s eye. The appointment of a new manager always brings with it a clean slate, especially for players like Dean Huijsen. The 21-year-old Spanish ace started last season well under Xabi Alonso, but the managerial changes saw his form drop. By the end of the campaign, he had been dropped from the starting XI, looked a shadow of his former self and was left out of Spain’s World Cup tournament. Huijsen, to his credit, appears to have played his way into Mourinho’s starting plans after an impressive pre-season showing. According to AS, the 21-year-old is now expected to start against Espanyol in Madrid’s La Liga opener after rediscovering his best level in the final warm-up matches. Huijsen impresses Mourinho Huijsen missed the friendly against Fiorentina because of an overload but returned for 45 minutes against Ferencvaros before completing the full match in Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Deportivo. His performance against Schalke then strengthened his case considerably. The Spain international played 84 minutes in the 3-0 victory and scored the team’s second goal, rising to meet Arda Guler’s corner with a powerful header in the 20th minute. He nearly scored another shortly afterwards, while his defensive work was equally encouraging. He looked aggressive in his duels and comfortable playing the ball out from the back. Perfect timing for Real Madrid The improvement could hardly have arrived at a better moment. Real Madrid enter the season with limited options at centre-back. Eder Militao remains on the recovery trail, while Raul Asencio is also unavailable. That leaves Huijsen competing with Antonio Rudiger and Ibrahima Konate for the two starting positions. His ability to use both feet and play on the left side of the defence should give him an advantage alongside two defenders who prefer playing on the right. Konate and Huijsen are likely to be Jose Mourinho’s starting pair, and the duo’s strengths complement each other very well. The new jersey number brings additional motivation There is also some symbolism surrounding Huijsen’s fresh start. Following David Alaba’s departure, the famous No. 4 shirt became available and Huijsen immediately wanted it because of his admiration for Sergio Ramos. “I always dreamed of wearing the No. 4. My idol was Sergio Ramos and for me it is a dream,” Huijsen said after the Schalke victory. Comparisons with Ramos would be premature, but Real Madrid do need Huijsen to develop into a defensive leader of his own. His first season offered promise but also a harsh reality check, but there is no doubt that the talented Spaniard is going to be better for it. If he can keep his pre-season form, it will give Mourinho one less headache to worry about ahead of the new campaign. Real Madrid News Barcelona legend Puyol wary of Mourinho’s Real Madrid: ‘With him, they can be even stronger’ Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has conceded that the return of Jose Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabeu could make Real Madrid a significantly more formidable opponent this season. However, the legendary defender remained steadfast in his belief that the reigning La Liga champions, bolstered by the high-profile arrival of Rodri, are hungry to secure yet another league title. Speaking on Tuesday during a video conference with international media outlets, organized by ESPN to promote their La Liga coverage in the US, Puyol offered a candid assessment of the power dynamics in Spanish football. The conversation comes at a pivotal moment, with the 2026/27 season looming and the historic rivalry between the two giants set to reignite under familiar yet evolved circumstances. Puyol on Mourinho return Puyol, who anchored the Barcelona defence during the height of the Guardiola-Mourinho era, acknowledged the tactical steel the Portuguese manager brings back to the capital. “With Mourinho, they can be even stronger,” Puyol admitted, as quoted by AS, referencing Real Madrid’s potential resurgence. Reflecting on his personal history with the ‘Special One’, Puyol traced their relationship back to Mourinho’s stint as a translator and assistant at Barcelona during the late 90s. “We’re talking about a great coach,” Puyol said. “I met him at Barcelona when I was in the youth academy and I moved up to the first team. “We could already see that he knew a lot about football. Then he built a great career and went on to join Real Madrid. We were at a very strong point in our careers; I remember a great rivalry.” That rivalry, defined by the fierce Clasicos of 2010-2013, remains a benchmark for intensity in world football. “In those years, aside from Guardiola and Mourinho, and Messi and Cristiano, they were two great teams,” he observed. “We’ll see how they do.” Confidence in Barcelona Despite his praise for Real Madrid’s managerial appointment, Puyol’s confidence in his former club remains unshaken. He singled out the addition of Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder who recently completed his blockbuster move to Catalonia, after snubbing real Madrid, as the engine that will drive Barcelona’s competitive edge. “I still think Barcelona has a very good team and will be able to have a good season,” Puyol asserted, highlighting the squad’s motivation to go for another league title. As the new campaign approaches, Puyol’s comments set the stage for a fascinating battle: the disciplined strength of Mourinho’s Real Madrid against Hansi Flick’s champions energized by their new midfield general.