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6 months ago
39 ARTICLE AD
Italy is often a favored vacation spot for big Dutch players. Ruud Gullit, Dennis Bergkamp, Marco Van Basten, Jaap Stam, Matthijs De Ligt, Edwin van der Sar, Frank Rijkaard…all experienced various fortunes on the other side of the Alps. Nevertheless, Serie A has always been able to attract the Batavians at some point in their career. Dean Huijsen quickly knew that joining the Boot would allow him to find the right fit. And the latter seems determined to perpetuate this Italian-Dutch tradition. Born in Amsterdam, young Huijsen moved with his family to Marbella at the age of five. And after a spell from the age of 10 to 16 at the Malaga training center, Huijsen chose to join Juventus Turin rather than Real Madrid or FC Barcelona. A choice encouraged by his father, very present in his life.
The latter, a former Ajax Amsterdam promise, was a striker nicknamed Maradonny in his early days. Ultimately, his father only had an average career, in several Dutch divisions, damaged by several extra-sporting affairs. For example, during his career as a professional footballer, he was a welcome guest in Amsterdam’s nightspots. In 2006, Donny Huijsen was sentenced to five years in prison for cocaine trafficking before being acquitted on appeal. Asked about his father’s troubles, Dean Huijsen affirmed that he had nothing to do with him on this point: “I think I can resist temptation better. If I have to play football, I don’t go to parties. Of course he went (laughs).» The son also doesn’t look like his father on the pitch, where Dean Huijsen has been making a name for himself since the start of the year in Serie A.
A defender with impressive technical qualities
A slender and skilled defender with the ball, the 18-year-old started on the Juventus Turin bench at the start of the season. While he made the screen with the Primavera of the Piedmontese team, his future was logically written with the Massimiliano Allegri gang. However, the Batavian U19 international (three caps) only appeared once with the Old Lady. Eager to glean even more playing time, Huijsen knew that he had to be loaned this winter in order to glean even more playing time. Solicited by many modest teams in the transalpine elite, the latter, confident of himself, decided yet to join AS Rome. A choice that pays off to say the least. Very quickly gaining playing time under the leadership of José Mourinho, the Amsterdammer also fits into the plans of Daniele De Rossi’s imperial Roma. Having coached the best players in the world, the former even claimed that he was already one of the most talented central defenders in Europe. Just that.
But why is Dean Huijsen so impressive? Excellent defensively, the 1m95 man shines thanks to his recovery qualities and his impressive composure for his age. Capable of winning many balls, because he has a good reading of the game. To illustrate all his qualities, you only have to see his phenomenal goal against Frosinone last weekend. Found at the halfway line, the defender dribbled past a slew of opponents before sending an unstoppable strike into the back of the net. In short, Dean Huijsen is the archetype of the defender who pleases everyone and who makes an impression. Obviously, his future is being scrutinized while he is only on loan in the transalpine capital. Regarding his future, his father was clear when he arrived in Rome: “the aim of this loan is to guarantee him more playing time, as he did not get it at Juventus. Dean will certainly return to Turin with more experience, so he can compete for a place at the Bianconeri next year.» A statement which should delight Juve fans who need a great central defender for the years to come. If Dean Huijsen continues to perform like this, there is no doubt that they have already found one of the future greats in this important position in Italy. Unless the Wolf’s determination to make him stay pays off…
