Dean Huijsen: Barcelona's Potential Araujo Replacement?

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Huijsen's Current Situation and Potential

Dean Huijsen is currently making waves at Ajax, though his exact position within the team fluctuates based on squad needs and the manager's tactical decisions. While detailed statistics for youth players can be scarce, reports consistently highlight his defensive strength and composure beyond his years. His performances, while not yet at a senior level, display promising potential.

• Current Club and Position: Ajax, primarily a centre-back but showing versatility.
• Performance Highlights: While concrete statistics are limited at this youth level, reports emphasize his consistent strong performances, excellent tackling, and impressive reading of the game. Clean sheets and crucial defensive plays in youth matches underscore his aptitude.
• Style of Play: Huijsen is described as a composed, technically gifted defender comfortable on the ball. His style incorporates a blend of aggression and tactical awareness, a key attribute for a modern center-back. This is very much in line with the requirements for a Barcelona centre-back.
• Comparison to Similar Young Center-Backs: His style bears similarities to other rising stars in European football, showing the potential to excel at the highest level.
• Areas for Improvement: Like any young player, there are areas for development. Physicality, particularly against more established strikers, may still be a focus of his training and future development. Further refining his game reading and anticipation is crucial for the next step in his career.

Comparing Huijsen to Araujo

A direct comparison between Huijsen and Araujo at this stage is inherently difficult due to their differing levels of experience. However, analyzing key attributes provides a framework for assessing Huijsen's potential to fill Araujo's shoes.

• Direct Comparison of Key Attributes: Both players exhibit strength, pace, and aerial ability, although Araujo’s physical presence is currently more pronounced. Huijsen demonstrates promising tackling ability and good game reading.
• Playing Styles and Tactical Suitability: Both players seem suited to Barcelona's possession-based style. While Araujo's aggressive style is more established, Huijsen's ability to read the game and distribute effectively mirrors the requirements of the system.
• Similarities and Differences: The most significant similarity lies in their potential to be complete defenders: strong in the air, quick, good on the ball. The main difference lies in experience and the overall physical development stage that Araujo possesses.
• Replicating Araujo's Impact: Replicating Araujo's immediate impact would be a tall order for any young player. However, Huijsen's potential indicates that, with time and proper development, he could become a similarly impactful center-back for Barcelona.

Araujo's Strengths and Huijsen's Potential to Match Them

Araujo’s exceptional heading ability, aggressive tackling, and impressive recovery speed are key assets. Huijsen shows promising signs in these areas, though his heading prowess might need further refinement. His tackling is already effective, but consistent performance against stronger opponents is crucial for his progression.

Araujo's Weaknesses and Huijsen's Potential to Improve Upon Them

While Araujo is a top-level defender, he can occasionally be susceptible to lapses in concentration. This is an area where Huijsen could aim to excel, emphasizing consistency and discipline to minimise those errors.

The Likelihood of a Transfer and Integration

Transfer rumours surrounding Huijsen are gaining traction, but a move to Barcelona is far from guaranteed. Competition from other top European clubs is expected.

• Transfer Rumours and Speculation: News outlets are beginning to highlight the potential interest from various clubs including Barcelona.
• Likelihood of a Transfer: The likelihood depends on several factors: Barcelona's financial situation, competition from other clubs, and Huijsen's continued development.
• Integration into the First Team: A gradual integration, perhaps involving loans or time with Barcelona's B team, is a realistic pathway.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The pressure of playing for a club like Barcelona is immense, but the opportunity for growth and development under experienced coaching staff is equally significant.

Alternative Replacement Options for Barcelona

Barcelona will undoubtedly explore other centre-back options, but Huijsen’s potential offers a long-term solution that aligns with their youth development strategy. Focusing on younger talent reduces transfer fees, creates potential for high returns, and fits into the club's overall vision.

Conclusion

Whether Dean Huijsen becomes Ronald Araujo's successor at Barcelona remains to be seen. However, his undeniable talent, technical skill, and promising defensive attributes make him a strong contender. He possesses many of the qualities that have made Araujo such a vital player. While significant challenges remain, his potential to develop into a top-level centre-back is undeniable. Continue following Huijsen's progress to see if he can truly become a viable Dean Huijsen: Barcelona's potential Araujo replacement. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!