Dean Huijsen struggled to break into Bournemouth’s squad in November, yet this week he was a key player for reigning European champions Spain in the UEFA Nations League. His journey over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable.
While injuries have created opportunities for Huijsen in recent months, his ability to seize them has been truly impressive. The latest international break presented his biggest chance yet. Initially called up to Spain’s squad as a replacement for the injured Iñigo MartÃnez, Huijsen only earned his first cap after Pau Cubarsà was forced off in the first half of the Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands—his country of birth.
He played 49 minutes in that match, performing so well that he was trusted to start the return leg. Huijsen then played the full 120 minutes as Spain secured their place in the Nations League semi-finals with a dramatic penalty shootout win.
Astonishingly, just four months ago, Huijsen was not even a regular starter for Bournemouth. Signed from Juventus last summer for an initial £12.8 million—potentially rising to £15.3 million—the deal now appears to be an absolute bargain.
In his early months in England, he was handed occasional opportunities, including a stern test as a starter against Liverpool in September. However, Bournemouth failed to win any of the five matches where he played more than 25 minutes, including three full 90-minute appearances.
His breakthrough came when first-choice centre-back Marcos Senesi suffered a serious hamstring injury, giving Huijsen another chance to prove himself. He did so emphatically, delivering a man-of-the-match performance and scoring the winner in Bournemouth’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham in early December.
Though manager Andoni Iraola always had faith in him, many Premier League fans doubted whether a teenage centre-back—especially one as tall and slender as Huijsen—could adapt to the physicality of English football. That perception has now been thoroughly shattered.
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A Towering Presence: Huijsen’s Physical and Technical Prowess
Dean Huijsen may not fit the typical mold of a Premier League centre-back. With a youthful face and a lean frame, one might assume he could be overpowered by physical forwards. However, at 6-foot-6, his build is deceptive—make no mistake, Huijsen is no pushover. The physical demands of England’s top tier have been no obstacle for him.
Quite the opposite, in fact. He thrives in physical battles and remains unfazed when up against some of the world’s best strikers. Among Premier League defenders with at least 1,500 minutes played this season, only seven have contested more aerial duels than him, and he has won an impressive 59.3% of them. For context, that puts him on par with Arsenal’s defensive powerhouse Gabriel Magalhães and ahead of solid defenders like Jan Paul van Hecke and Marc Guéhi (both 59.1%).
Huijsen also ranks third among centre-backs for fouls committed per 90 minutes (1.2), leading the stat when excluding players from the Premier League’s bottom four. He has already picked up six yellow cards—five for tactical fouls and one for dissent—highlighting his willingness to embrace the physical side of the game. He is not just prepared for a fight; he relishes it.
Beyond his defensive grit, Huijsen is an outstanding footballer. Earning a Spain call-up at just 19 is no small feat, but impressing so much that he gives manager Luis de la Fuente—who favors continuity in his European Championship-winning squad—a selection dilemma is even more remarkable.
Huijsen’s composure on the ball sets him apart. He boasts the highest pass completion rate of any Bournemouth player with more than two Premier League starts this season (84.3%). In Spain’s pass-heavy system, he shone even brighter, completing 90.4% of his passes in the Nations League second-leg clash against the Netherlands.
He isn’t merely cautious with his passing; he also ranks third among Premier League centre-backs with at least 1,500 minutes played this season for progressive passes per 90 (4.0)—these are open-play passes that originate in the attacking two-thirds and advance the ball at least 25% closer to goal.
Against the Netherlands, he delivered the assist of the match early in extra time with a perfectly lofted pass over the Dutch defense, setting up Lamine Yamal for the goal that gave Spain a 3-2 lead. Huijsen had also played a key role in the build-up to the goal.
Dean Huijsen Is A Modern Defender with Elite Potential
It’s hardly surprising that Huijsen is so composed on the ball. Having moved to Spain at the age of five, he grew up in the golden era of Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and the dominant Barcelona and Spain teams. His footballing education at Málaga emphasized possession-based play, making it no shock that he seamlessly fit into De la Fuente’s Spain squad—though the ease with which he adapted at the international level was still remarkable.
Despite his technical prowess, Huijsen remains, first and foremost, a defender. Among all Premier League defenders with at least 1,500 minutes this season, he ranks second for interceptions per 90 (2.2), just behind Southampton’s Jan Bednarek (2.3). He also excels in clearances, averaging 6.7 per 90—second only to Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite (6.9). Additionally, he ranks fifth for headed clearances (3.3) and seventh for blocked shots (1.3) per 90. Clearly, he is as gritty and committed as he is skilled.
That blend of technical ability and defensive acumen is likely why the Netherlands made a strong push for him to switch allegiances, attempting to persuade him to represent his birth country over Spain. However, their efforts proved unsuccessful.
While Huijsen may drop down the pecking order once Spain’s defensive stalwarts—Aymeric Laporte, Iñigo MartÃnez, and Pau Cubars×return, his selection ahead of the highly-rated Raúl Asensio, who has excelled for Real Madrid in Éder Militão’s absence, speaks volumes about his growing reputation.
International managers often favor defenders from elite clubs—Spain previously relied on Gerard Piqué and Sergio Ramos, England have long trusted John Stones and Harry Maguire, and Italy’s Euro 2020-winning backline was formed at Juventus. Breaking into a top national team while playing for a non-elite club is no easy feat, yet Huijsen has done just that.
His composed performances against the Netherlands, despite facing jeers from the Dutch crowd displeased with his decision to represent Spain, further cemented his credentials. As a result, speculation about his future has intensified. Reports of a £50m release clause suggest Bournemouth may struggle to retain him beyond the summer, with European giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Barcelona all linked with him.
With each standout performance, the rumors grow louder. But one thing is clear—both Bournemouth and Spain have a truly special talent in Dean Huijsen. Right now, it’s difficult to see a limit to just how far he can go.
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FAQs
Who is Dean Huijsen?
Dean Huijsen is a 19-year-old Spanish centre-back who plays for Bournemouth and recently broke into Spain’s national team with impressive performances in the UEFA Nations League.
Why is Dean Huijsen attracting interest from top clubs?
Huijsen’s defensive intelligence, physicality, and ball-playing ability make him a standout prospect. His recent displays for Spain and Bournemouth have put clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool on high alert.
How has Dean Huijsen performed in the Premier League?
Despite a slow start, Huijsen has established himself as a key defender for Bournemouth, ranking highly in aerial duels, clearances, and interceptions while also showcasing his composure in possession.
What makes Dean Huijsen’s playing style special?
Huijsen blends physical dominance (6’6″ height) with technical excellence. He is a strong passer, ranks among the top centre-backs for progressive passes, and reads the game exceptionally well defensively.
Does Dean Huijsen have a release clause?
Reports suggest Huijsen has a £50m release clause, fueling speculation that Bournemouth may struggle to keep him amid growing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
