AFC Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen has made headlines recently for his decision to represent Spain instead of his birth country, the Netherlands. The 19-year-old defender received his first senior call-up from the Spanish national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, earlier this week, thus ending any prospects of playing for the Dutch national team. Born on April 14, 2005, in Amsterdam, Huijsen moved to Marbella with his family at the age of five, which set the foundation for his football career and national identity.
With Spain recently drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final in Rotterdam, the match not only marked the beginning of a potentially exciting chapter for Huijsen but also showcased the mixed reactions surrounding his selection for the Spanish team. Football fans might recall that Huijsen had represented the Netherlands at youth levels, playing from U16 to U19, before making the pivotal decision to switch allegiance at the start of 2024. Huijsen explained his choice plainly, stating, "My family is Dutch, but I feel Spanish," showing his strong identification with his adopted home.
He expressed excitement over his first senior call-up, calling it a dream. "It is already a dream to be part of the selection, let alone make your debut. And for my family, it is a dream come true," Huijsen stated, capturing the emotional weight of his decision. However, he acknowledged the backlash he anticipated from Dutch supporters, especially during the recent match where he faced his country of origin. "In football, you are always criticized, but I don’t really care what they say. If I had been born in Spain and raised in the Netherlands, they would say exactly the same thing,” he added, reflecting his steadfast resolve amid the scrutiny of fans.
During the match in Rotterdam, Huijsen made his debut as a second-half substitute, coming in the 41st minute. He was, however, met with boos from portions of the Dutch crowd, a reaction stemming from his nationality switch and his association with Spain. Despite the hostility, Huijsen managed to rise above the criticisms and performed well on the pitch, contributing to Spain’s draw with the Netherlands. "It’s a dream to make my debut for the national team. I’m delighted. We have so many good players, and I’m very happy,” Huijsen commented post-match, dismissing the negative reception as merely part of the game.
The backdrop of the match held significance, as Spain, despite their promising history, is also the reigning Nations League champions, making it critical for the team to perform well during this tournament. The match saw goals from Nico Williams for Spain and Tijjani Reijnders and Cody Gakpo for the Netherlands. Mikel Merino scored a late equalizer for Spain, rescuing the team from a potentially disappointing loss.
Huijsen's journey from Amsterdam to Marbella is as intriguing as his football career itself. His father, Donny, a former Ajax youth talent, shifted his aspirations to Spain after facing challenges in professional football. "Getting called up was already the best moment of my career and playing for Spain makes me really proud, against whoever. The best players are in Spain, and it’s an honour to be with them,” Huijsen stated in discussing his feelings about the switch and the opportunity he has in representing Spain.
Reflecting on his youth career, Huijsen initially began his football journey with Málaga before making the jump to Juventus, where he had a fleeting first-team appearance. He then had a stint under the renowned Jose Mourinho at AS Roma before arriving at Bournemouth at the start of this season. As he approaches his 20th birthday in just a few weeks, the young defender is filled with both hope and ambition for his fledgling career.
The controversy surrounding Huijsen’s decision has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from Dutch fans. He noted the likelihood of criticism but reemphasized that his loyalty lies with Spain. “Yes, what a coincidence. And our mothers have known each other for a long time, from their youth in Amsterdam,” he quipped while commenting on his friendship with fellow player Justin Kluivert, whose father also played with Huijsen’s father.
The young defender's evolution as a player and as a person will continue to be a focal point as he embarks on his first chapter with the Spanish national team. With the return leg of the Nations League tie approaching, all eyes will be on Huijsen, whose play will not only impact Spain’s chances but could also dictate how fans and critics perceive him going forward. The matchup in Valencia promises to be electrifying as both teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals. Dean Huijsen stands on the precipice of not just his footballing future but also a chance to reshape his narrative in the world of international football.
