The Netherlands is experiencing the departure of Dean Huijsen to the Spanish national team as a great loss, a decision that according to OUR has dedicated to “Oranje” a defender of the future with world-class potential.
Huijsen, born in Amsterdam, moved to Marbella at the age of five and was raised in Spain. The 20-year-old centre-back made his debut for the Spanish senior national team in March 2025, against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Nations League – a symbolic moment that finally sealed the separation between him and his homeland.
Before this decision, Huijsen had been a key part of the Netherlands youth chain, progressing to the U19s, where he also held the captain’s armband. He was a protagonist in the final of the U17 European Championship in 2022, while former coach Mischa Visser considered him one of the pillars of the new Dutch generation.
However, by the end of 2023, the balance had begun to tip in Spain’s favour. A crucial visit in September of that year to Turin by the Spanish FA’s representative, Francis Hernández, proved crucial in changing course. Hernández introduced Huijsen and his family to Spain’s long-term project and the role the defender could play in the future.
“We explained to him and his family our vision, the plans for his development and what the Spanish national team could offer him,” Hernández said. “It was a warm and very productive meeting. After that, he felt he wanted to represent Spain.”
After acquiring Spanish citizenship in 2024, Huijsen initially joined the U21 team before being called up to the senior national team. His debut in Rotterdam was impressive, despite boos from the home fans, helping Spain to a positive result.
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) respected his choice, with sporting director Nigel de Jong wishing him well. However, Mischa Visser did not hide his disappointment, highlighting the years of wasted investment by the Netherlands.
Now a Real Madrid player, after excellent performances with Bournemouth, Huijsen is seen as a potential successor to legendary figures such as Sergio Ramos in the Spanish defense.
The player himself was clear about his choice: “I feel Spanish. Spain is my home,” said the Real defender.
Huijsen’s case increasingly highlights the fierce battle between federations for dual-nationality talent, a battle that this time left the Netherlands regretfully losing what was seen as the successor to Virgil van Dijk. /Telegraph/