Dean Huijsen made a strong impression Sunday evening on his debut for AS Roma in the league match against Atalanta (1-1). The fact that the eighteen-year-old defender was immediately impactful so soon after his transfer has earned him compliments from the Italian media.
Dean Huijsen's recent transfer completion on Saturday marked a significant milestone in his football career.
Coach José Mourinho, recognizing the young talent's potential, had already indicated Huijsen's readiness to participate in AS Roma's match against Atalanta the very next day. True to his word, Mourinho introduced Huijsen during halftime, replacing the injured Spanish defender Diego Llorente.
Huijsen, despite his youth, delivered an outstanding performance. His ability to adapt quickly to the demands of high-level football was evident, as Opta statistics showed he made the most successful passes of any player in the second half, with a total of 39.
This impressive feat did not go unnoticed, as La Gazzetta dello Sport praised his debut. The newspaper commended his seamless integration into the team, his fearless approach to seeking depth in the game, and his willingness to make unconventional choices.
The young Dutch defender's performance earned him a 6.5 rating from the leading Italian sports newspaper. His display of personality and skill on the field suggested that he is a strong candidate for a starting position in the much-anticipated Roman derby against Lazio on the upcoming Wednesday. With Diego Llorente's participation in doubt due to a groin injury, Huijsen's prospects for starting in this high-profile match have increased.
The decision to bring Huijsen to AS Roma was notably influenced by Mourinho himself, as reported by Gazzetta. Mourinho, familiar with Huijsen's capabilities and his background - being the son of former professional player Donny Huijsen - advocated for his signing with technical director Tiago Pinto.
Huijsen, initially poised to join Frosinone, expressed his enthusiasm to work under Mourinho's guidance during his presentation on Saturday, underscoring the synergy between the player's aspirations and the coach's vision for the team. This alignment suggests a promising future for Huijsen at AS Roma, especially under the tutelage of a seasoned and respected coach like Mourinho.
