Who is Dean Huijsen? Career, Stats and Girlfriend

Dean Donny Huijsen Wijsmuller (born 14 April 2005) is a Dutch-born, Spanish international footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Bournemouth and the Spain national team. Standing at 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in), Huijsen is recognized for his physical presence, defensive intelligence, and leadership qualities, making him one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders.

Career Path

Early Life and Youth Career

• Born in Amsterdam, Huijsen moved to Spain at age five, developing in Málaga’s academy after starting at Costa Unida CF.
• In 2021, he joined Juventus, impressing in their youth ranks with notable goal-scoring from defense.

Professional Career

• Juventus Next Gen (2023): Made his professional debut in Serie C, quickly establishing himself and scoring key goals in league and cup competitions.
• Juventus First Team (2023): Debuted in Serie A in October 2023.
• AS Roma (Loan, 2024): Loaned to Roma, where he made 13 Serie A appearances, scoring 2 goals and further developing his tactical and technical skills.
• AFC Bournemouth (2024-present): Signed for Bournemouth in July 2024 for an initial £12.8 million, rising to £15.3 million. He rapidly became a key starter, making 29 Premier League appearances and scoring 3 goals in the 2024–25 season as of May 2025.

Playing Style and Strengths

• Assertive Defender: Huijsen is known for aggressive man-marking and physical duels, often stepping into midfield to press attackers.
• Ball-Playing Ability: Highly comfortable in possession, ranking among the Premier League’s best for successful long passes and passes between the lines.
• Aerial Threat: Three headed goals in his debut Premier League season highlight his set-piece prowess.

Defensive Stats (2024-25):

• 2nd in the league for interceptions (1.98 per 90 minutes)
• 2nd for clearances (6.90 per 90)
• 4th for headed clearances (3.63 per 90)
• 2nd for successful long passes among centre-backs

International Career

• Netherlands Youth: Represented the Netherlands at U17, U18, and U19 levels, finishing as runner-up in the 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
• Switch to Spain: After gaining Spanish citizenship in 2024, Huijsen debuted for Spain U21 and was soon called up to the senior team for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals in March 2025.
• Senior Spain Debut: Made his debut against the Netherlands, impressing with a strong performance and providing an assist in the second leg, helping Spain reach the Nations League last four.

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Career Statistics (as of May 2025)

 Recent Highlights

• Breakout Premier League Season: Huijsen has been described as a “standout” and “perfect fit” for Bournemouth, quickly becoming a defensive leader despite being just 20 years old.
• Transfer Value: Bournemouth’s acquisition of Huijsen for around £12.8 million is already considered a bargain, given his impact and rapid rise in value.
• Versatility: Though right-footed, Huijsen has shown comfort playing on the left side of central defense, adding to his tactical value for both club and country.

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Personal Life

His father, Donny Huijsen, was a professional footballer who played for Jong Ajax and had a career in both the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie in the Netherlands. The family moved from Amsterdam to Marbella, Andalusia, Spain, when Dean was five years old, after purchasing a house on the Costa del Sol. Dean Huijsen’s personal life reflects a blend of Dutch heritage and Spanish upbringing, shaped by a supportive family and a multicultural environment.

Summary

Dean Huijsen is a rapidly emerging centre-back who, after a swift ascent through youth and senior football in Spain and Italy, is now starring in the Premier League and for Spain’s national team. His combination of physicality, technical skill, and football intelligence has made him one of the most talked-about young defenders in Europe.