Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is facing a growing selection dilemma as preparations begin for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. With competition inside La Roja’s squad intensifying, several established and emerging names are now under scrutiny—none more so than young defender Dean Huijsen.
Once tipped as the future cornerstone of Spain’s back line, Huijsen now finds his international status increasingly uncertain. Despite Spain’s need for continuity following their Euro 2024 triumph, inconsistency at club level has complicated the picture and placed his national team role at risk.
From Rising Star to Growing Concern
Huijsen’s trajectory once appeared clear. Tall, composed, and technically sound, he impressed in key moments, most notably during Spain’s Nations League quarter-final run, where his calm distribution and physical presence drew widespread praise.
However, momentum has stalled over recent months. Spanish outlet Marca reports that Huijsen’s place in De la Fuente’s plans is no longer guaranteed. The core issue lies not in potential, but in reliability—an essential currency at international level.
Spain’s coaching staff have closely monitored his performances and noted an alarming dip in concentration. At club level, Huijsen has been involved in several high-profile errors, mistakes that have directly led to goals or destabilized his team’s defensive structure.
Costly Errors Under Xabi Alonso’s System
The situation has become more complicated under the management of Xabi Alonso, whose tactical demands place heavy emphasis on defenders initiating play and maintaining positional discipline.
Within this framework, Huijsen has struggled to maintain consistency. Reports suggest that lapses in focus—misjudged clearances, poor positioning, and risky passes—have crept into his game with worrying frequency this season.
For De la Fuente, these recurring errors are difficult to overlook. International football leaves little margin for mistakes, particularly with Spain aiming to defend their European crown while building toward a World Cup campaign.
Senior Stability Returns to the Equation
Huijsen’s challenge is further intensified by developments elsewhere in the squad. Aymeric Laporte has returned to La Liga after leaving Saudi Arabia, regaining competitive sharpness at domestic level.
Laporte’s move to Athletic Club has been viewed as a turning point. His performances have quickly reminded the national coaching staff why he remains one of Spain’s most trusted defenders.
Alongside Robin Le Normand, Laporte formed the backbone of Spain’s defense during Euro 2024 in Germany. The pairing delivered composure, experience, and leadership—qualities that proved decisive in tournament football.
If both defenders remain fit, they are widely expected to reclaim starting roles, leaving limited room for experimentation. For Huijsen, this significantly narrows the path to regular minutes.
Crowded Competition for Limited Places
Beyond the established duo, competition for the remaining center-back slots is fierce. Pau Cubarsí and Dani Vivian are both firmly in the conversation.
Cubarsí offers tactical intelligence and calmness beyond his years, while Vivian brings physical strength and aerial dominance. Neither has yet cemented a permanent starting role, but both have delivered performances solid enough to keep Huijsen under pressure.
At this stage, the margins are extremely fine. Any prolonged dip in form could prove decisive as De la Fuente seeks defenders who combine consistency, adaptability, and mental resilience.
A New Threat Emerging From England
Perhaps the most intriguing twist in this defensive battle comes from outside Spain. Cristhian Mosquera, currently with Arsenal, has emerged as a serious contender for selection.
Mosquera’s appeal lies in his versatility. Unlike Huijsen, who is primarily a central defender, Mosquera has demonstrated his ability to operate effectively both at center-back and right-back. This flexibility is increasingly valuable in modern tournament squads, where tactical adaptability can decide matches.
Spain’s coaching staff are believed to value this attribute highly, particularly given the demands of international competitions where squad rotation and in-game adjustments are essential.
What Huijsen Must Do to Stay in the Race
For Huijsen, the message is clear. Talent alone will no longer be enough. To safeguard his place in La Roja, he must rediscover consistency at club level and eliminate the unforced errors that have undermined his reputation.
Improved concentration, smarter decision-making, and greater composure under pressure are now non-negotiable. Spain’s defensive pool is deeper than it has been in years, and De la Fuente has shown he is willing to make bold calls in pursuit of balance and reliability.
World Cup Dreams Hanging in the Balance
As Spain build toward World Cup 2026, every international window carries added weight. The competition for defensive places is no longer about future potential—it is about present performance.
Huijsen still has time on his side, but time alone will not guarantee selection. Unless his club form stabilizes soon, the risk of missing out on Spain’s World Cup journey is very real.
For La Roja, this depth represents strength. For Dean Huijsen, it represents the toughest test of his young career—a moment that could define whether he remains part of Spain’s future or watches it unfold from the sidelines.
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