Luis de la Fuente, the head coach of the Spanish national team, is facing a major dilemma as he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The competition within La Roja is intensifying, and several key players now see their positions under serious threat.
One player under the spotlight is Dean Huijsen, the young Real Madrid defender. Despite being considered one of Spain’s most promising talents, Huijsen now risks losing his place in the squad.
Spain, fresh off their Euro 2024 triumph, needs stability at the back, but Huijsen’s inconsistent club performances have cast doubt over his reliability at the international level.
Here’s a detailed analysis of Huijsen’s current situation and the evolving competition in Spain’s defensive line.
Costly Errors Under Xabi Alonso
Huijsen was initially hailed as the future of Spain’s defense. His impressive performances during the Nations League quarterfinals only strengthened his reputation.
However, his fortunes have shifted dramatically in recent months. Reports from Marca indicate that his spot in the national team is no longer guaranteed.
The primary reason is a significant drop in form at club level. Huijsen has frequently lost concentration during matches, resulting in a series of high-profile mistakes this season.
Most of these blunders occurred under the management of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid. Consequently, de la Fuente’s confidence in the young center-back has started to waver, and the coach is exploring more consistent defensive options.
The Return of Experienced Defenders
Huijsen’s situation is further complicated by external factors. Aymeric Laporte has returned to La Liga with Athletic Club, marking a resurgence in form that poses a direct challenge to the younger defenders.
The pairing of Laporte and Robin Le Normand remains a favorite for de la Fuente, as they were pivotal in Spain’s defensive solidity during Euro 2024 in Germany.
When both veterans are fit, they are likely to occupy the starting positions, which drastically reduces Huijsen’s chances of securing a regular spot in the lineup.
Rising Competition from England
The pressure doesn’t stop at veteran Spaniards. Huijsen now faces intense competition for the remaining center-back slots. Players like Pau Cubarsi and Dani Vivian are immediate rivals.
However, a more serious threat comes from England. Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has started to attract attention from Spain’s selectors.
Mosquera offers qualities that Huijsen currently lacks: solid defensive performances and positional versatility, capable of playing both as a center-back and right-back. This flexibility gives him a significant edge and could see him overtake Huijsen if the young Madrid star does not quickly regain form.
The Clock Is Ticking
As the World Cup approaches, Huijsen must step up his performances at club level to secure his place in Spain’s squad. Otherwise, his World Cup ticket could be handed to a more reliable and adaptable alternative.
With veteran leaders returning, rivals pushing hard, and his own mistakes under scrutiny, Dean Huijsen’s path to the starting eleven for Spain in 2026 is becoming increasingly uncertain.
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