Real Madrid’s Spanish core saw a steep fall over the past few years and even reached a point where Dani Carvajal was the team’s only bonafide representative in the national team. Needless to say, the absence of high-quality local players hit the administration hard.
Presented with the chance to sign Dean Huijsen earlier this summer, Los Blancos unsurprisingly saw a great opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.
After all, they would not only get the services of one of the best defensive prospects on the planet but also a player who can be a regular part of the national team for years to come.
Indeed the youngster only made his debut for La Roja against Netherlands in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Nations League back in March.
But he was the coach’s preferred name for both the semifinal and final earlier this month and is thus on the right track of establishing himself as Spain’s best long-term bet.
Spanish NT manager praises Real Madrid star
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, Spanish national team manager Luis de la Fuente was asked to give his two cents on Real Madrid’s latest signing Dean Huijsen who is no stranger to the national team dynamics.
“If he doesn’t get injured, he has the makings of an excellent footballer,” he said, admitting that he highly values the young defender (h/t RM4Arab)
He then drew up a connection between Huijsen’s rise and the young generation of talents coming up in Spain which promises to give his side a solid foundation.
The present and future of Real Madrid and Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
“We are living a great moment in Spanish football.”
Huijsen made his debut for Real Madrid in the team’s FIFA Club World Cup curtain-raiser against Al-Hilal which unfortunately ended in a draw.
Yet, he was extremely impressive right from the get-go and seemingly did not put a foot wrong on the night.
His performance against Pachuca once again highlighted not only his defensive prowess but his ability to build up from the back and split defences with his passes, something Real Madrid have lacked for a considerable period now.
His seamless integration to Xabi Alonso’s dynamics suggests that he will have a big role to play for the team, not only this season but as a long-term defensive bet.
Concurrently, it is safe to say that he is set to be one of De La Fuente’s most trusted players at the back for a long time to come.
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