Dean Huijsen is only 20 years old, but he's already playing like the best quarter back in the NFL right now.
Over the weekend, Real Madrid secured their most important win of the 2025/26 season to date. They beat Real Sociedad despite going down to 10 men.
Dean Huijsen was the player to get sent off for Real Madrid. He was shown a red card by the referee in the 32nd minute, with Real Madrid already going a goal ahead by this point, thanks to Kylian Mbappé.
Just before half-time, Arda Güler added to the score for Real Madrid. It was a match that eventually finished 2-1 to Real Madrid, despite Dean Huijsen's red card. That's what champions-elect do: they fight extra hard when going a man down, rather than burying their heads in the pitch.
And Real Madrid fans do not blame Dean Huijsen for taking the red card. He was making a tactical foul, a trait which is taught by coaches for the reasons that Real Madrid showed: to get the win.
Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen is playing like Patrick Mahomes right now
Despite the red card, Dean Huijsen proved yet again that he is filling a hole left by Real Madrid. Of course, his defensive duties are performed exceptionally, but right now, he's also playing like an NFL quarterback.
Receiving the ball in deep positions, Dean Huijsen takes the time to scan the options in front of him. Unlike most center backs, he can ping a ball across the field, which is received by Real Madrid's world-class wide players.
Dean Huijsen is playing like Patrick Mahomes at the start of this season. Both players take the time to scan options ahead of them, but also make quick decisions whenever the pressure is mounting. It's also an interesting comparison that both Huijsen and Mahomes, despite playing in different sports, can take the game by the scruff of the neck when needed.
Huijsen still has a long way to go. It's exciting to say it, but he isn't in his final form yet. Real Madrid signed him as a youngster and didn't expect him to say 'this starting position is mine' right away, but heck, the journey ahead just got so much more exciting.
Dean Huijsen will now be looking forward to the Champions League action this week. If it wasn't obvious that he would be starting already, his upcoming Liga suspension means that he simply must start in midweek to retain fitness levels.