Dean Huijsen: A Potential Defensive Asset for Liverpool?

This isn’t a new name and one that’s been to the club before. As the transfer window heats up, Liverpool are continuously on the lookout for emerging talents to bolster their squad. One name that has recently surfaced in transfer discussions is Dean Huijsen, a young and promising centre-back currently plying his trade on loan at AS Roma from Juventus. Below, we dive into the key aspects surrounding Huijsen’s potential move to Liverpool, considering what’s been said, his key stats, a comparison with an existing Liverpool player, and the likelihood and fee involved.

What’s been said

Mirko Di Natale, a well-regarded journalist, recently highlighted on social media that Dean Huijsen has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, and Newcastle United. He mentioned, “The Bianconeri management and his entourage are in contact and discussing his future. The defender has never hidden his desire to stay, and Juventus, in turn, considers him an important player.” This clearly indicates that while Huijsen has a strong desire to stay at Juventus, the interest from clubs like Liverpool could be a game-changer, especially with Thiago Motta’s influence at his current club potentially making him a better fit there. Huijsen has been linked with us before too.

Looking at the Key Stats

Dean Donny Huijsen, born on April 14, 2005, in Amsterdam, stands at an imposing height of 1.97 meters. His main position is centre-back, and he is known for his dual-footed capability. This season, on loan at AS Roma, Huijsen has made a notable impact. His appearances across Serie A, Serie C-B, and the Italy Cup total up to 23 games, where he has scored two goals and provided one assist. His defensive contributions include significant minutes played, highlighting his growing influence at the back. Additionally, his international career with Spain U21 and previous stints with Netherlands youth teams underscore his versatile international experience. 14 games I Serie A is where it’s rights to judge him.

Drawing Comparisons

To understand Huijsen’s potential fit at Liverpool, it’s useful to compare him with Jarrell Quansah, another young centre-back currently at Liverpool. Quansah’s tackle success percentage stands at 70.0% compared to Huijsen’s 25.0%, showcasing a stark contrast in their defensive styles. Furthermore, Huijsen’s aerial duel success rate is notably lower (56.3% to Quansah’s 67.2%), which might be a concern for Liverpool, known for its robust aerial defending. However, Huijsen excels in bringing the ball out from the back and progressing it forward, a crucial trait in modern football. According to FBRef, Huijsen ranks in the 95th percentile or above for progressive carries and passes, which aligns well with Liverpool’s tactical setup under Jürgen Klopp.

Likelihood and fee

Currently valued at €10.00 million, Dean Huijsen’s contract with Juventus extends until June 30, 2028, making any potential transfer a significant financial commitment. With Juventus potentially looking to cash in on their young talent and the player’s wages within a manageable range, the interest from Liverpool is understandable. However, considering his lower aerial duel success rate, it’s debatable whether Huijsen would be at the top of Liverpool’s list. Nonetheless, given his age, potential, and skill set, it would not be surprising to see Liverpool make a strategic move for him, especially if the transfer fee and terms are favourable. You’d be surprised if they haven’t watched him, but he won’t be top of any list.