Official: Spain call up Dean Huijsen for upcoming qualifiers

Spain have officially called up Juventus centre-back Dean Huijsen to the senior squad for the upcoming international window, a significant milestone for one of Europe’s brightest young defenders. The 2005-born talent, who impressed on loan at Roma last season before returning to Juventus, offers height, composure and progressive passing from the back. His inclusion hints at tactical flexibility for Spain, with the option to deploy him as a ball-playing CB or, situationally, in a hybrid role. The call-up reflects La Roja’s push to refresh the back line and reward form and ceiling ahead of a key stretch of qualifiers.

Spain’s football federation confirmed the senior call-up as part of the latest squad announcement for the forthcoming international window. Huijsen, developed at Málaga before joining Juventus, has represented Spain at youth levels and surged into wider prominence during a standout spell at Roma in early 2024. Returning to Juventus, his blend of aerial dominance and press-resistance has kept him on the radar of the national setup. With Spain managing minutes across a congested calendar and preparing for high-stakes qualifiers, integrating an in-form, modern centre-back aligns with their long-term defensive refresh.

🚨 OFFICIAL: Dean Huijsen is called-up by Spain for the upcoming WC qualifiers.

@MadridXtra

Impact Analysis

Huijsen’s selection signals Spain’s intent to broaden their defensive toolbox with a profile tailored to contemporary international football. At 1.95m, he brings size and set-piece presence that Spain have occasionally lacked, while his calm progression under pressure suits La Roja’s commitment to building from the back. The move could subtly shift Spain’s rest-defense structure: a partnership featuring a dominant aerial presence alongside a quicker cover defender mitigates transitions, a known pain point in knockout scenarios.

Tactically, Huijsen enables a few wrinkles. Spain can toggle between a back four and an asymmetrical three in possession, sliding a full-back inside while empowering Huijsen to step into the right half-space with the ball. His diagonal passing into wingers and half-space forwards compresses distances and speeds up circulation against mid-blocks. Off the ball, his timing in duels and reach help defend crosses, crucial against physically imposing opponents in qualifiers.

Beyond the chalkboard, the call-up energizes competition among incumbents. It nudges standards for selection—merit and form over hierarchy—while providing succession planning for veterans. If managed carefully, integrating Huijsen now can pay off in tournament windows, where small defensive upgrades tilt tie margins. The caveat is experience: bedding him in with staggered minutes against select opponents will be key to unlocking upside without overexposing him.

Reaction

Fan chatter quickly split into excitement and debate. Many celebrated the decision as overdue, calling Huijsen the most in-form young centre-back available and a natural fit for Spain’s style. Others asked the practical question: will he play centre-back exclusively or be tested as a makeshift defensive midfielder in certain game states? That curiosity stems from his comfort stepping into midfield lines and clipping progressive passes through pressure.

There’s also a cheeky sub-plot about selection battles. Some voices joked this might “bench Cubarsí again,” while others pushed back, arguing the pair could be complementary in the medium term—one offering aerial control, the other elite anticipation. A minority expressed skepticism about depth, suggesting Spain simply lack better options; those replies were countered by fans pointing to the breadth of choices when everyone is fit.

Neutral observers noted the optics: fresh legs, modern profile, and a clear message that form at club level translates to national opportunities. Even those cautious about fast-tracking prospects conceded that limited, well-managed minutes could accelerate his adaptation without risking the pecking order. Overall, the mood leaned optimistic—curious to see if the hype meets the demands of senior international football.

Social reactions

Amazing bear in mind he plays for Real Madrid

KM10 (@ClinicalMBAPPE_)

Cubarsi should start before him

JOSEPH ACHEAMPONG (@Ashtownnboy)

Awesome call-up for Dean Huijsen! Spain’s got a rising star in that No. 5 jersey. Excited to see him in the WC qualifiers!

Jack (@Jack119450)

Prediction

Short term, expect Spain to integrate Huijsen in controlled scenarios: second-half minutes when protecting a lead, or starts against opponents that sit deeper and allow him to orchestrate build-up. A likely pairing would feature a faster partner who can cover wide channels, letting Huijsen dominate aerial zones and initiate diagonals to wingers. Set pieces—both ends—will be his immediate avenue to influence results.

Medium term, two pathways emerge. If he adapts quickly, he pushes for a rotational role in competitive qualifiers, earning starts when Spain anticipate a territorial game. If integration is slower, he remains a high-leverage bench option—particularly valuable in knockout ties where late defensive stability is decisive. Either route preserves his trajectory while maintaining dressing-room balance.

Long term, this is succession planning. Spain are future-proofing the back line with profiles that can handle intensity, height battles, and technical build-up. Should Huijsen sustain form at Juventus—minutes, duels won, progressive passes—his national role grows organically. The key variables: managing errors common to young centre-backs, and ensuring continuity with a stable partner. Barring injuries, a breakthrough start in a qualifier within the next two windows feels plausible.

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Conclusion

Huijsen’s elevation to the senior Spain squad is more than a headline—it’s a statement about where La Roja want to go. They are prioritizing aerial range, composure in first phase, and the capacity to compress the pitch with confident forward passing. Rather than rushing him, Spain seem primed to stage-manage his exposure, harnessing his strengths in moments that matter while insulating him from avoidable volatility.

For the player, this is validation of a development arc that’s been deliberate and demanding: Málaga to Juventus, a defining loan at Roma, then meaningful steps back in Turin. For Spain, it widens selection possibilities and intensifies internal competition—essential ingredients for a squad targeting deep tournament runs. The prudent play now is consistency: keep club form steady, stack clean actions, and earn trust through reliability. If that happens, this call-up will read as the first chapter of a long international career, not a one-off headline.