A Promising Journey Across Europe

Dean Huijsen, born in the Netherlands but raised in Spain from the age of five, has quickly made a name for himself in European football. At just 19 years old, he emerged as one of the Premier League’s breakout stars while playing for Bournemouth, earning a nomination for Young Player of the Season and catching the attention of top clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

Despite Premier League interest, Huijsen fulfilled a lifelong dream by signing with Real Madrid, inspired by his idol Sergio Ramos. His journey has already spanned three leagues in three years, starting at Roma, moving to Juventus, and then impressing in England. He joined Bournemouth under the recommendation of Tiago Pinto, who previously worked with him at Roma, and quickly won over head coach Andoni Iraola.

Though he didn’t start as a regular, Huijsen quickly earned a spot in the starting XI, forming one of the league’s most promising and youngest center-back duos alongside Illia Zabarnyi. Statistically, he ranked second in the Premier League in both interceptions and clearances, and fourth in headed clearances. His 1.97m frame has not hindered his speed, which has significantly improved since his time in Italian football.

A Defender With Goals—and a Spanish Identity

Beyond his defensive skills, Huijsen brings scoring ability. He netted three goals this season, each crucial in helping the Cherries achieve their best-ever Premier League points total and dream of qualifying for European competition for the first time.

While he previously represented the Netherlands at youth level, Huijsen chose to play for Spain, debuting with the U-21 team and earning his first senior minutes under Luis de la Fuente in the Nations League quarterfinals. “Spain is my home. I feel Spanish,” he said in an interview with EFE in March, during his first call-up.

Fluent in Spanish, Italian, and English, Huijsen is comfortable with the media and has shown maturity beyond his age. Football runs in his blood—his father, Donny Huijsen, was part of Ajax’s academy, where he played alongside Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert.

With his arrival at Real Madrid, Dean Huijsen brings a mix of modern defensive skills, leadership potential, and international versatility. All signs point to a bright future in the heart of Los Blancos’ backline.