Dean Huijsen

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

In a Real Madrid season that defies all comprehension—Los Blancos languishing in 16th place like some mid-table afterthought—21-year-old Dean Huijsen has emerged as their defensive lifeline. While galacticos around him have faltered, the Spanish centre-back has been virtually ever-present, logging 2,855 minutes across 37 appearances and even chipping in with 2 goals and 2 assists from the heart of the backline. His commanding aerial presence and 73-rated defending have made him Carlo Ancelotti's trusted anchor during this unthinkable crisis. Though six yellows and a red reveal the rough edges of youth, Huijsen's progressive passing and physical dominance embody exactly the modern playmaking defender Madrid desperately need. With a market value that has rocketed to €60 million—a staggering figure for a player still learning his craft—the #24 is rapidly outgrowing his developmental billing. Four wins from their last five hint at a belated revival, and Huijsen will be central to any recovery. In a campaign of chaos at the Bernabéu, he's been their one constant.