Former AS Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto has heaped praise on former Juventus defender Dean Huijsen, now excelling at Bournemouth.
The 20-year-old Spanish international has helped propel the Cherries to an unexpected top-half finish, playing a key role in victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
His standout performances have placed him firmly on the radar of elite clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
Tiago Pinto Says Dean Huijsen Will Be the Best Defender in the World
Huijsen was once seen as a long-term pillar of Juventus’ future. According to Bournemouth managing director Tiago Pinto, who brought the player on loan to Roma, the Spanish international is destined to become the world’s best central defender.
“For me today he is one of the five best central defenders in the world, and in two years he will be the best,” Pinto told Gianluca Di Marzio. “Signing Huijsen is like taking a lottery ticket knowing that it is already a winner.”
Dean Huijsen’s Journey From Juventus Youth to Roma First Team
Huijsen’s rise began in the Juventus youth academy, where he quickly developed a reputation for composure on the ball and tactical intelligence—hallmarks of Italian defensive tradition. During the 2023–24 season, Pinto secured him on loan for AS Roma, where his impact was immediate.
“Two days after he arrived in Rome, his teammates were already asking me where I had found someone like him,” Pinto said.
Although Juventus retained his rights at the time, the Bianconeri allowed Huijsen to leave last summer—a decision now raising eyebrows as his market value skyrockets.
Juventus Transfer Decision Under Scrutiny as Huijsen Shines Abroad
As Dean Huijsen thrives in England, questions are being asked about how Juventus allowed such a top-tier talent to leave. Though the Bianconeri have a strong track record with youth development, letting Huijsen depart may prove to be a costly misjudgment.
With his release clause now attracting big-name suitors, Juventus fans are left wondering if a future defensive leader slipped through their fingers.
Could Dean Huijsen Return to Serie A?
Although a return to Italy currently seems unlikely, Serie A clubs will no doubt be monitoring Huijsen’s career trajectory. With his elite pedigree, experience in Italian football, and rapid growth at Bournemouth, he remains a player of major interest to top-tier sides across Europe.
