At a promotional event with the Spanish National Team, Dean Huijsen spoke candidly about his pride in representing Spain, his recent performances, and the scrutiny that comes with playing at the highest level.
The young defender began by emphasizing what the national team call-up means to him, while also acknowledging a dip in form earlier in the season.
“I’m very proud to be able to come to the national team. It’s an honor to represent my country. I think I went through a period where I didn’t perform
at the level that people know I’m capable of, but that I am now. At Real Madrid, we’re doing well as a team.”
Huijsen also addressed the criticism he has faced, maintaining a composed stance toward media narratives and external opinions.
“Criticism? I work every day to come here, to the national team, which is an honor for me. The press has to talk about something; I don’t interfere with your work.”
The defender also offered his perspective on Federico Valverde’s much-discussed challenge on Álex Baena over the weekend. Huijsen made it clear he disagreed with the harsher interpretations of the incident.
“I still think Valverde’s foul on Baena wasn’t a red card. Valverde stops the play and it seems like a yellow card to me. Obviously he kicks him and it’s a foul, but it’s a yellow card and if you go to VAR to review it, you can clearly see that he hits him on the foot and not with his studs.”
