Bournemouth’s star defender Dean Huijsen: ‘My family is Dutch, but I feel Spanish’ | OneFootball

Despite facing his family’s homeland on Thursday, AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is not torn by emotions as he celebrates his first senior call-up with Spain. The 19-year-old Bournemouth defender was called up by La Roja on Monday, ending any chances he had of playing for the Dutch national team.

Son of former professional Donny, Dean Huijsen was born on the 14th of April, 2005 in Amsterdam. However, with his family relocating to Marbella, Andalusia, the youngster was raised in Spain and became a citizen in February 2024.

“My family is Dutch, but I feel Spanish”, he told Marca in the run-up to this international period. When he had to choose between Spain and the Dutch national team, Huijsen did not have to think twice. The former youth player of Málaga switched to the Spanish association when he was allowed to play for the Under-21 team and now sees a dream come true with his call-up to the seniors. “It is already a dream to be part of the selection, let alone make your debut. And for my family, it is a dream come true.”

Driving home the fact that the Dutch may have missed a real gem, Huijsen claims he has never had a phone call from national coach Ronald Koeman (“Not that I know of”).

Adding to this, the defender isn’t afraid of reactions from the Netherlands. “In football you are always criticised, but I don’t really care what they say. If I had been born in Spain and raised in the Netherlands, they would say exactly the same thing.”

He does have ties to the Netherlands, of course. He plays with Justin Kluivert, whose father Patrick played with his father Donny at Jong Ajax. “Yes, what a coincidence. And our mothers have known each other for a long time, from their youth in Amsterdam. My father always said that Kluivert was very good. And now Justin is doing very well with us, he is in great shape.”

Huijsen is also doing well in the Premier League. Will he be able to stop his teammate and family’s compatriots on Thursday night? It’s sure to be an enthralling battle.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield