Dean Huijsen: How Bournemouth’s Spain worldwide earned high-profile suitors after a stellar first Premier League season | Soccer Information

It was a switch that went beneath the radar in the summertime of 2024. However lower than 12 months later, £12m has was £50m.

On the again finish of July, earlier than the window had even received going, Bournemouth signed a younger 19-year-old defender from Juventus. That man was Dean Huijsen.

One look for ‘The Outdated Woman’ and 13 for Roma in 2023/24 did not precisely say he was the subsequent neatest thing, however now he actually is. Bournemouth clearly noticed one thing that others did not. They’d perception, a plan, and their current recruitment suggests they’ll spot the particular sauce. And Huijsen is oozing high quality.

It is no secret that Huijsen’s £50m launch clause shall be activated by somebody this summer time, however with a number of huge hitters all keen to pay it, Huijsen could have his choose, and in line with the media – he can actually go anyplace.

From Actual Madrid to Liverpool, Newcastle to Barcelona, the queue to get him goes around the block and again once more.

However like most gamers when speaking about their future, he would not be drawn on these hyperlinks.

Huijsen, sat down on the contemporary grass on the membership’s new efficiency centre appeared in a relaxed temper. The large cash, and massive transfer speak hasn’t phased him one bit; “I am very calm,” he stated, “I do not actually concentrate on it, now will not be the time, I am simply centered on ending the season nicely.

“My dad is my agent, he fixes every little thing, I do not learn something, I do not give it some thought an excessive amount of, I am simply specializing in my soccer and dealing exhausting.”

Huijsen was additionally coy on the rumoured launch clause as nicely, “I am simply centered on making historical past at this membership,” he says with a smile, and I imagine him.

His team-mates check with him as ‘The Chill Man’ – and you may see why. Regardless of the price ticket on his shoulders, he is simply loving his soccer.

Bournemouth have the fourth-best residence defensive document within the top-flight, all due to the youngest centre-back partnership within the Premier League. It truly is a case of, if you happen to’re adequate, you are sufficiently old.

Huijsen added: “We have loads of good younger gamers; we have gamers that may make an enormous transfer or which are value some huge cash. It simply exhibits how good the membership has been with scouting, investing in gamers and trusting younger gamers.

He added, “It isn’t straightforward to belief younger gamers in an enormous league just like the Premier League. That is what this membership has finished and it is paid off.”

On the coronary heart of their defensive resilience alongside 20-year-old Huijsen is 22 year-old Illia Zabarnyi – who can also be being monitored by golf equipment on the high finish of the footballing pyramid.

And that should not be a shock. He is additionally developed into an impressive defender since his arrival on the membership from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023, and improved all through the course of this season.

Not solely has Huijsen made his senior Spain debut in the previous couple of weeks – after switching allegiance from the Netherlands – however he has had such a formidable first season in England. Targets, clear sheets and a capability to maintain calm on the ball are all of the attributes needed from a defender as of late.

Zabarnyi is aware of the significance of a stable relationship and the way a lot that’s key to Bournemouth’s defensive success.

“It comes with coaching, it comes with the extra video games you play collectively, you already know when to cowl for one another and that helps the connection. You must be supportive to one another. Sure, we’re younger, however on the pitch it does not really feel like we’re younger.”

Bournemouth can boast a greater residence defence than Aston Villa, Man Metropolis, Newcastle and Chelsea, such has been their spectacular residence type this season.

However their current type is the issue, and it could price them Europe. No wins in six Premier League video games, although that would change shortly. A win towards Fulham and so they’ll leap frog the Whites on objective distinction.

Zabarnyi defined: “The final couple of weeks we did not deserve something. Now we should be extra centered. We have had time to work on the small issues and present everybody, together with ourselves, that we will win matches.”

Huijsen added: “We’re solely three factors off the highest eight. We have seven video games to go, so there’s greater than sufficient time. Each staff over a season has these intervals, every little thing continues to be open and we have now every little thing to play for.”

Bournemouth would possibly simply get some luck this season, because the European spots may shuffle down so far as tenth, however earlier than they fear about which place leaves them the place through which European competitors, they should begin profitable video games once more. And that should begin once more Fulham.

Watch Bournemouth vs Fulham dwell on Sky Sports activities Premier League and Major Occasion from 6.30pm on Monday; kick-off 8pm.