Spain made it two wins from two in the international break as they saw off Turkey with a thrilling 6-0 win to devastate Arda Güler and his side. The hero was Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who scored a hat-trick, with two more goals coming from Pedri and his Barcelona team-mate Ferran Torres also got on the scoresheet.
Among those to play the full 90 minutes was Dean Huijsen. His international break has been a statement of maturity and reliability, with the young defender playing every minute across
Spain’s wins over Bulgaria and Turkey. In both games, he once again showed why he is increasingly trusted at the heart of the back line: calm on the ball, commanding without it, and tactically intelligent in his positioning.
Huijsen’s performance was not defined by standout moments but by the consistency of his contributions. He controlled his zone superbly, never allowing himself to be dribbled past, while dominating his duels both on the ground and in the air. His anticipation led to timely clearances and blocks, and his disciplined defending, with no fouls committed, kept Spain secure throughout. At just 20 years old, that level of assurance is a rare quality.
Equally important was his role in Spain’s build-up play. Comfortable under pressure, he completed passes with confidence and registered a match-high of 65 completed passes. He often looked to progress play into advanced areas, ensuring Spain maintained rhythm and territorial control. Even without direct attacking output, his presence in possession reflected a defender who understands the importance of initiating play from the back, a trait that aligns closely with Real Madrid’s style.
Across two full matches in quick succession, Huijsen has not only shown physical resilience but also a mental sharpness that suggests he is ready for bigger responsibilities. He’ll now return to Madrid where he’ll rejoin his club team-mates for training later this week.
Carvajal left on the bench
Among the unused substitutes was Dani Carvajal, as the 33-year-old veteran increasingly appears to have lost his place as first choice to Tottenham’s Pedro Porro on the right of defence. Following his serious injury last October, it has now been a full 12 months since Carvajal last started a game for his country, coming against Switzerland in a 4-1 win in September 2024.
