In a remarkable leap from Juventus youth player to a sought-after talent on the international stage, Dean Huijsen is capturing the attention of football fans worldwide. The 19-year-old defender, currently playing for Bournemouth, has received his first senior call-up to the Spanish national team. This new chapter follows his rapid development which includes a promising stint at AS Roma and standout performances in the Premier League.
Huijsen joined Juventus at the age of 16, where he climbed through the youth ranks before gaining professional experience. Last season, he was loaned to AS Roma for six months, a period he describes as instrumental in his development. In an interview with Relevo, Huijsen stated, “The reason I went to Italy was to improve defensively, I wanted to be more complete. In Spain I improved my ball control and in England, the intensity of the game made me learn a lot.”
During his time at Roma, he worked under prominent coaches including José Mourinho, who Huijsen credits with convincing him to join the club. “Mourinho called me to convince me to join Roma and it was an experience. I learned a lot on a defensive level even though I spent little time with him. I would have liked to spend more time with him,” Huijsen reflected.
His brief yet impactful period in the Italian Serie A also saw him develop relationships with players like Daniele De Rossi, who he considered a father figure. “I also got along very well with De Rossi, who was like a second father to me. He worried about how I was and things like that,” said Huijsen. These relationships have shaped his understanding of the game, particularly in mastering defensive techniques.
Now, as Huijsen prepares to represent Spain in the Nations League quarter-finals against the Netherlands, he steps in for the injured Íñigo Martínez. His subsequent rise to the national team comes off the back of his impressive performances in the Premier League, where he has bolstered Bournemouth’s defense, resulting in them occupying a comfortable 10th place in the league standings.
With 23 league matches played this season, Huijsen manages to rank among the top players in aerial duels, trailing only teammates Antoine Semenyo and Illia Zabarnyi. His defensive strength is matched by a solid passing accuracy, having completed an impressive 884 passes so far this season. Notably, these contributions have been pivotal in helping Bournemouth secure five clean sheets.
Spain's decision to include Huijsen in the squad demonstrates an impactful shift as they build for the future while aiming for success in upcoming international matches. Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, expressed confidence in Huijsen’s ability to fulfill the responsibilities that come with representing the national team.
In the realm of club football, Real Madrid is reportedly eyeing Huijsen for a potential transfer, especially after his promotion to the senior national team. As per sources, Real Madrid plans to step up their bid for Huijsen this summer, underlining just how quickly fortunes can change in football.
Despite the influx of interest from top-tier clubs, Huijsen’s focus remains on the immediate challenge of competing internationally. “I have had good coaches, Iraola had a big impact on me,” he noted, reflecting on his journey and the pivotal role of coaching in his career progression. Huijsen’s recent performances have shown promising development that bodes well not only for his club but also for Spain as they aim for victory in their Nations League engagements.
As Spain gears up to face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, Huijsen’s inclusion is built on a solid foundation of hard work and dedication. The match will take place at Rotterdam's De Kuip stadium, with a return leg at Mestalla Stadium scheduled for March 23. With the pressure to perform high and expectations surrounding the young defender, all eyes will surely be on Huijsen as he steps onto the international stage.
Huijsen's journey symbolizes the power of development through international experiences and mentoring. Moving forward, he has the potential not only to shine at club level but also as a cornerstone of Spain’s next generation of football talent. As he looks to secure his place in the squad and contribute towards Spain’s rich footballing legacy, many predict a bright future for this rising star.
