Bournemouth -defender Dean Huijsen has been one of this season's surprise packages and settled in the Premier League under Andoni Iraola, and for some as one of the best in the division. Although clearly talented, few expected such rapid progress from the 19-year-old, which last summer only switched € 15.2 million from Juventus to Bournemouth.
This week he was called to the Senior Spanish national side for their quarter -finals of the Nations League after Inigo Martinez had left the team and could make his debut against the country of his birth, the Netherlands. As happened to Euro 2024-winning Aymeric Laporte, it is questioned by a minority in the Spanish media about how loyal he is at La Roja.
“In the beginning I didn't have a Spanish passport, but when the opportunity to get an express passport came, I made the decision.”
“No, I made the decision before Spain won the Euro Cup because I feel Spanish,” he told Efe, as worn by Sport, when he was asked if their triumph in Germany made the decision for him.
As a child, Huijsen moved to Spain with his family and came to Malaga, before he made the switch to Juventus as a teenager. He explained his decision to make the switch to Italy
“I had good coaches. Iraola has been a big influence on me. I used to be with Mourinho, the Rossi, Allegri … I can only be grateful for giving opportunities. I have learned them all.”
“I think it was a considered decision. I wanted to go to Juventus because of the reputation of Italy, where Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli and other historic centerbacks were. I wanted to learn the defensive skills that you also learn in Spain, but you think it's harder. I think it was the right decision.”
It is said that Huijsen is a fan of Real Madrid, and that was when he spoke about his idols, past and present.
“For me, Sergio Ramos was the best center-back in history. He had everything. He was good at releasing the ball, he was defensive aggressive, a leader, he scored goals and he was important for the team. He is also from the south, like me. I think we look a bit alike.”
“There are a number of very good center backs in the world (now), such as Van Dijk, who I think is the best at the moment. In the past I really liked Ramos and Pique.”
However, the impressive middle behind rejected a move to Real Madrid when he moved to Turin. He is now back on their agenda, and the latter is that he is their most important center -like choice for the next two transfer markets.
“You never know how it would have gone. It was a very good option, but at that moment I thought it was best for me to learn a little about the defensive aspect, and I think I learned it.”
“It makes you proud to have such a big team interested in you. It is special and means that you are doing well.”
Huijsen has a release clause of € 60 million, which means that he is not only a talented option for Los Blancos, but also relatively affordable on the market despite his age. Real Madrid will hand over a new contract to Raul Asencio, but with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger in the thirty, want to secure their next star defender of the star before they reach adulthood.
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