Official: Spain call up Juventus defender Dean Huijsen for WC qualifiers

Spain have named 2005-born Juventus center back Dean Huijsen in the senior squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, marking his first call-up at this level. The ball playing defender, who shone on loan at Roma last season and has continued his rise at Juventus, adds height, calm distribution and set-piece threat to La Roja's back line. The decision underscores Spain's push to refresh the defense with high IQ, progressive passers. With competition from Pau Cubarsi, Robin Le Normand and others, Huijsen's inclusion signals strong trust in his ceiling and opens the door to a debut in the next international window.

Spain's latest senior squad reveal for the upcoming international window confirmed Dean Huijsen's name after consistent monitoring across club and youth levels. The Juventus center back, who developed in Spain before moving to Turin, impressed on his 2024 spring loan at Roma under Daniele De Rossi and has integrated with Juve's first team this season. The call-up aligns with Spain's shift toward ball secure center backs to anchor possession and control transitions in competitive fixtures.

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

@MadridXtra

Impact Analysis

For Spain, Huijsen fits a clear tactical brief: a right-footed, 1.95 m center back who is comfortable receiving under pressure, stepping into midfield, and breaking lines. In matches where opponents sit off, Spain need defenders who can advance the ball without handing the initiative away. Huijsen does that naturally, combining composure with a long passing range that can flip the field. On set pieces, his frame adds a scoring and clearance presence Spain have lacked in certain phases.

His rise also increases internal competition. Pau Cubarsi brings anticipation and short-range progression, Robin Le Normand offers reliability and positioning, while Aymeric Laporte supplies aerials and switches. Huijsen's profile blends elements of all three but with more height and aggression on first contact. Expect him to be used in controlled minutes early - late-game stabilizer, or a start against low block sides where Spain dictate tempo from the back.

From Juventus' perspective, the call-up validates his development arc post Roma loan. It boosts market value, reinforces Thiago Motta's emphasis on build-up clarity, and signals to the player that minutes and growth in Turin can translate directly to international recognition. For the Netherlands, this is a nudge that one of the most promising dual-eligible center backs may be slipping away. The strategic timing - ahead of official qualifiers - suggests Spain want to integrate him quickly into the A setup.

Reaction

Social chatter is buzzing and largely upbeat. Multiple fans repeat the same sentiment - Big moment for Huijsen, excited to see him shine on the big stage - reflecting genuine anticipation around his ceiling. One comment calls him their best defender, a bold take, but it tracks with how highly rated he has been since that eye-catching Roma spell last spring.

Not everyone is convinced. A skeptic remarked that if he starts, Spain will lose both games - classic reverse jinx energy more than analysis. Another thread laments omissions - But Asensio and Carreras aren't - a familiar selection gripe when a fresh face gets the nod. On the tactical side, one fan sketches a back line with Huijsen paired next to Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde on the left, hinting at a new-era Spain back four built on ball circulation and positional bravery.

There was the predictable off-topic ad drop, quickly ignored, while the dominant tone remained supportive and curious. The through line: people want to see how Huijsen handles senior-level pace and decision-making, and whether his calm under pressure at club level holds in a high-stakes international window.

Social reactions

Big moment for Huijsen Excited to see him shine on the big stage

JØ¥BØ¥ (@Itssjoyboy)

Wow, that's big news! Dean Huijsen playing for Spain in the WC qualifiers is definitely going to make waves. Can't wait to see how he performs on the big stage.

viral clips (@chotichinta)

He's their best defender, ofcourse he'd get called up

max acs (@frogmacs)

Prediction

Short term, expect Spain to acclimate Huijsen through controlled minutes. A late cameo in a qualifier is likely - manage the state of the game, close space behind the line, hit diagonals to wingers and full backs. If training data is strong, one start against a low-to-mid block opponent is on the table, flanked by an experienced partner like Le Normand to simplify his reference points.

The medium-term scenario is more compelling. If he translates his club composure, he becomes a rotation regular within two windows. He challenges for a top two spot by combining progression and aerial value. The staff will test him in both a high line and a mid block to evaluate recovery pace and timing in the channel, key when full backs push high. Set-piece routines will quietly feature him as a first-contact target and a blocker for near-post runs.

There is also the eligibility angle. Featuring in official qualifiers effectively locks his senior pathway, which Spain will view as strategic given his dual background. Provided health and steady Juventus minutes, his 12-month outlook reads like this: 4-6 senior caps, a competitive start, and a clear role definition in Spain's next tournament cycle.

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Conclusion

Huijsen's call-up is not a marketing splash - it is a football decision grounded in trends we have seen for two seasons. He advances play without panic, wins first balls, and tidies second phases. That is the modern Spain center back job description. The Roma loan proved he could absorb pressure and still make the right choice. Juventus has sharpened his timing and structure.

There will be bumps. Senior international football compresses time and space. The test is whether his first touch and scanning keep the rhythm of Spain's build intact when the press arrives at full speed. If he meets that threshold, the staff gain a different tool in a crowded position group.

In practical terms, Spain add height and progressive passing without sacrificing control. For the player, this is validation and a runway to staple himself to the A team. For Juventus, it's a marker that their development plan is working. The ceiling is high, and this call-up is a logical step toward reaching it.