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Full Name: Dean Donny Huijsen Wijsmuller
Date of Birth: April 14, 2005 (Age 19)
Place of Birth: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Height: 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
Position: Centre-Back
Current Team: AFC Bournemouth

Career Overview

A Defensive Talent on the Rise

Dean Huijsen is one of the most exciting young defenders in European football. A towering centre-back with a rare blend of technical ability, tactical intelligence and physical dominance. He has been making waves since his early years in the youth systems of Málaga and Juventus. Now at AFC Bournemouth, Huijsen has continued to develop into a well-rounded, modern-day centre-back.

His ability to read the game, distribute the ball with both feet and dominate aerial duels has earned him comparisons to elite defenders like John Stones and Virgil van Dijk. After impressing with Juventus Next Gen, a loan spell at Roma in the 2023/24 season helped him gain valuable Serie A experience. In July 2024, Huijsen made a high-profile move to the Premier League, joining Bournemouth, where he has quickly established himself as a key defensive figure.

At just 19, he has already played in three of Europe’s top five leagues and is widely regarded as one of the brightest young defensive prospects in world football.

Premier League • AFC Bournemouth • 2024-25

Matches Played

Assists

Goals

Strength

Intelligence, Passing and Aerial Dominance

Huijsen’s playing style is defined by his ability to combine traditional defensive qualities with modern technical attributes. His reading of the game, positional awareness and composure on the ball set him apart as a top young defender.

His ability to play progressive passes from deep makes him a valuable asset in build-up play, often acting as a deep-lying playmaker from the back. His aerial ability, standing at 6’5”, allows him to dominate set-pieces on both ends of the pitch. Despite his size, he is also agile and capable of defending in one-on-one situations.

While he still has areas to refine, particularly in physical duels against stronger opponents, his intelligence and technical ability make him one of the most promising centre-backs of his generation.

Notable Attributes

The Modern Centre-Back

Aerial Dominance: One of his standout qualities, winning most aerial duels and making him a major threat in set-piece situations.

Ball-Playing Ability: Excellent range of passing, capable of short build-up play and long diagonal switches.

Defensive Intelligence: Reads the game exceptionally well, anticipating passes and cutting out attacking moves before they develop.

Two-Footed Passing: Comfortable using both feet, making him highly adaptable in different tactical systems.

Composure Under Pressure: Calm in possession, able to evade pressing forwards with quick touches and well-timed passes.

Versatility: Primarily a centre-back but could also transition into a defensive midfield role due to his passing and awareness.

Set-Piece Threat: His height and timing make him a key weapon on corners and free kicks, both defensively and offensively.

Professional Journey

From Juventus to the Premier League

Huijsen’s football journey began in Spain, where he developed his skills at Costa Unida CF before joining Málaga’s youth academy in 2015. After excelling there, he joined Juventus in 2021, despite interest from clubs like Real Madrid.

At Juventus, he progressed through the youth ranks rapidly, showcasing his ability to contribute goals even as a centre-back. In January 2023, he made his professional debut for Juventus Next Gen, the club’s reserve team, and quickly became a standout performer.

His performances earned him a call-up to the Juventus first team and in October 2023, he made his Serie A debut against AC Milan. By November, he was permanently promoted to the senior squad.

In January 2024, Huijsen joined Roma on loan for the remainder of the season. He quickly adapted to José Mourinho’s defensive system, impressing with his composure and maturity. He scored two goals during his time in Rome, including a stunning solo effort against Frosinone.

Premier League Move to Bournemouth
After returning to Juventus, Huijsen attracted interest from several top clubs. In July 2024, he signed for AFC Bournemouth in a deal worth up to €18.2 million. Since arriving in England, he has become a key part of Bournemouth’s defense, making an immediate impact with his aerial presence and ball-playing ability.

His £50 million release clause signals how highly the club values him, and if he continues his current trajectory, bigger moves could be on the horizon.

International Career: A Rising Star for Spain
Huijsen initially represented the Netherlands at youth levels, playing for the U16, U17, U18, and U19 squads. He was part of the Netherlands U17 team that reached the UEFA U17 European Championship final in 2022, where he showcased his ability to step up in big games.

However, in 2024, after becoming a Spanish citizen, he switched his international allegiance to Spain. He quickly became an important player for Spain’s U21 team and has impressed in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.

Conclusion

A Future Defensive Star

Dean Huijsen is an exceptional talent with the attributes to become one of Europe’s elite defenders. His combination of physical dominance, technical ability and tactical intelligence makes him a rare breed of centre-back.

At just 19, he has already gained experience in Italy’s Serie A, England’s Premier League and international competitions. His move to Bournemouth is a stepping stone, and if he continues to develop, a future move to a top European club seems inevitable.

With his growing reputation, Huijsen is on track to be a key figure for both club and country in the coming years. Whether anchoring Bournemouth’s defense or eventually leading Spain’s backline, his potential is undeniable. The football world should keep a close eye on this rising defensive star.


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