Nineteen-year-old defensive star Dean Huijsen has quickly become the center of attention for Europe’s giants after his impressive performances in the Premier League. Among them, Real Madrid seem to be particularly interested in the young center-back born in 2005 and are ready to spend money to activate his release clause of up to £50 million. However, behind this great honor, Juan Gutierrez, Hoeness’ coach, has expressed a different view – he believes that a move to Real Madrid now is not wise, and may even hinder the young player’s growth trajectory.
Hooysen’s mentor speaks out: a move to Real Madrid is not necessarily a good thing
Huizenga is currently playing for Bournemouth, and in the 2024-2025 season, he has shown a maturity and calmness that belies his age. Not only is his technique stable, but his defensive judgment is also extremely good, and he has quickly gained a foothold in the high-intensity environment of the Premier League. It is therefore no surprise that Real Madrid are interested in him. However, it is seeing all of this that makes Juan Gutierrez even more worried about the future of the love interest.
“I just hope that any club that signs Dean treats him as a player that can be useful right away and not as a project that will come into play in two or three years.” Gutierrez said, “He’s ready to fight for the game right now, he’s not one of those youngsters that still needs to be ‘slowly polished’.”
Gutierrez further noted, “There aren’t many players today who have leadership qualities at such a young age as Dean. He doesn’t get recognition for his looks, he gets it for his strength. If he leaves Bournemouth now, he should at least go to a club that guarantees him steady playing time, rather than sitting on the bench all day.”
Real Madrid lineup competition is fierce, newcomers on the field opportunity is hard to find
Looking at the structure of the lineup, Real Madrid’s backline hardly has many vacancies. The team has several world-class center backs: Eder Militão is in his prime at only 27 years old, Antonio Rüdiger is experienced and in stable form, and David Alaba will still be a starter if he regains his health. In this case, Juizen, if he joins the team, will most likely only be the “fourth center back” – meaning he’ll have a hard time getting consistent playing time.
Furthermore, Carlo Ancelotti, although a world-class manager, has a style that favors the use of established players. He is not known for developing young talent. In contrast, clubs like Barcelona are more than happy to trust the young players in their youth system and give them real opportunities.
Gutierrez said bluntly, “Real Madrid’s system has always prioritized experienced players. They need people who can step in and take the pressure immediately. For Dean, it’s more important that he goes to a place where he can play every week and continue to grow. Career progression can’t just be determined by the reputation of the club, but whether you can actually get involved.”
Staying at Bournemouth might be the smarter option
Huizen’s performances at Bournemouth so far have been highly recognized by manager Andoni Iraola. Under him, Huizen has not only been given a starting spot, but has also been given a key role in the tactical system. This kind of trust is an invaluable resource for a 19-year-old player.
According to Gutierrez, “If I were Dean, I would stay at Bournemouth for at least one more season. It’s a place where he can continue to gain experience and show his true level. The number of clubs signing him will only increase. Rushing for a big club won’t necessarily help his career.”
Indeed, in today’s soccer world, it is not uncommon for young players to be signed by big clubs early and then gradually “disappear”. Many talented players end up struggling to realize their potential due to a lack of playing time or being loaned out for long periods of time. Hoeness is at a critical stage in his development curve, and maintaining his pace and form is more important than any praise.
Huizenga has been selected for the national team, and his career is on the rise.
It’s worth noting that despite being born in the Netherlands, Huizen has chosen to represent the Spanish national team. He was selected for the national team for the first time in the recent UEFA Nations League and has been active in the training camp. This also shows that he has made it to the professional level at the national level.
If he chooses to move to a team with limited opportunities now, not only will he suffer at the club level, but his national team career could be dragged down as a result. A young player’s path to the national team often needs to be propelled by consistent club performances. If he fails to get consistent playing time at Real Madrid, then his place in the Spanish team may not be guaranteed.
Shining opportunities go hand in hand with hidden risks
Real Madrid is undoubtedly a tantalizing name for Dean Huizen. The chance to wear the jersey of this historic, trophy-laden powerhouse is one that many players dream of. But as his coach says, a career is not a sprint, but an endurance race. Making the right choice at the right time is the key to determining the height of his future.
Perhaps putting aside the lure of the Galaxy for the time being and continuing to gain experience in the Premier League is the wisest decision for the young defender. After all, a 19-year-old player, the most important thing is the exercise of each game, rather than the scenery on the bench.
