Dean Huijsen - Best Defensive Skills
Dean Huijsen - Best Defensive Skills
Dean Huijsen, born on April 14, 2005, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, has rapidly established himself as one of the most exciting defensive prospects in European football. His early development saw him move to Spain at the age of five, where he began his footballing journey at Costa Unida CF and then Malaga's youth setup, already showcasing a natural aptitude for the game.
In May 2021, Huijsen made a significant move to Italy, joining the esteemed Juventus academy. He quickly progressed through their youth ranks, featuring for the U17 and U19 teams, and even making appearances in first-team friendlies. His talent was recognized with a promotion to Juventus Next Gen, the club's reserve team, in January 2023, where he made his professional debut and scored his first professional goals.
Huijsen made his Serie A debut for Juventus's first team in October 2023. To gain more senior experience, he was loaned to AS Roma in January 2024 for the remainder of the 2023-2024 season. During his time at Roma, he continued to impress, making 13 Serie A appearances and scoring two goals, further solidifying his reputation as a promising young defender.
In July 2024, Huijsen made a high-profile transfer to Premier League club AFC Bournemouth. He quickly adapted to the physicality of the English top flight, becoming a regular starter and a key figure in Bournemouth's defense. His performances in the Premier League were exceptional, leading to him being nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2024-2025 season. He also became the youngest ever goalscorer for Bournemouth in the Premier League, scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in December 2024.
His impressive displays at Bournemouth attracted the attention of one of the world's biggest clubs. In May 2025, Real Madrid announced the signing of Dean Huijsen, triggering his release clause from Bournemouth. He officially joined the Spanish giants on June 1, 2025, signing a contract until July 2030, and was presented as a Real Madrid player on June 9, 2025. He has already made his debut for Real Madrid in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Huijsen's playing style is characterized by his imposing height of 1.97 meters, combined with remarkable technical ability and composure on the ball. He is a right-footed center-back but is comfortable playing on either side of a central defensive pairing. He is known for his aggressive, front-footed defending, strong aerial duels, and excellent interception skills. Furthermore, he possesses strong distribution skills, often playing accurate long passes to initiate attacks, and is adept at carrying the ball forward.
While born in the Netherlands, Huijsen has chosen to represent Spain internationally, having lived there since he was five. He has represented Spain at the U21 level, making his debut in March 2024 and scoring one goal. He made his senior international debut for the Spanish national team in March 2025 and has since played in the UEFA Nations League, where Spain finished as runners-up in the 2024-2025 edition.
As of July 2025, Dean Huijsen is poised for an illustrious career at Real Madrid and with the Spanish national team. His rapid rise through the ranks, combined with his unique blend of defensive strength, technical prowess, and leadership qualities, marks him as a truly generational talent set to make a significant impact on the biggest stages of world football.