Dean Huijsen (19 Viewers)
- Thread starter Luftwaffles
- Start date
However you put it, starting for Spain at 20 is a massive achievement.
That said, he was far from impressive against France and Portugal. He looked lost whenever Spain had to defend. He was nowhere around for all six goals conceded, and tonight Ronaldo got away from him on both goals. Huijsen kept Ronaldo onside for goal number 1, and then completely lost him for the second. Then again, it’s Ronaldo.
Also, this is easily the weakest pool of defenders Spain has had in decades. The options are piss poor. Spain still produces world-class midfielders and attackers, but just like Barcelona they’ve forgotten how to defend.
Still, he starts for Spain at 20, so I will shut up here.
That said, he was far from impressive against France and Portugal. He looked lost whenever Spain had to defend. He was nowhere around for all six goals conceded, and tonight Ronaldo got away from him on both goals. Huijsen kept Ronaldo onside for goal number 1, and then completely lost him for the second. Then again, it’s Ronaldo.
Also, this is easily the weakest pool of defenders Spain has had in decades. The options are piss poor. Spain still produces world-class midfielders and attackers, but just like Barcelona they’ve forgotten how to defend.
Still, he starts for Spain at 20, so I will shut up here.
Neither. I only meant that I think he's a great ball-playing defender, but currently a competent defensive defender. I think that's pretty much what a lot of teams dream about in modern football.
But he's way ahead of the curve given his early development, he's very young. If you're 6'5" and gangly there's going to be times when direct running from skillful players will cause you problems, he doesn’t have quickness or agility but his long legs get him out of a few difficulties. He's got the weapon of being great aerially at the offensive end but should also win more defensive duels. He usually anticipates well (although that will be weaker as a young player) and is quite aggressive on the press. And I'm not saying he has Bonucci's grating personality, few would have.
But he's way ahead of the curve given his early development, he's very young. If you're 6'5" and gangly there's going to be times when direct running from skillful players will cause you problems, he doesn’t have quickness or agility but his long legs get him out of a few difficulties. He's got the weapon of being great aerially at the offensive end but should also win more defensive duels. He usually anticipates well (although that will be weaker as a young player) and is quite aggressive on the press. And I'm not saying he has Bonucci's grating personality, few would have.
It's true that nobody wants to actually defend anymore. I blame Pep p*ssyball for that.
His development will have to survive the brain farts that are going to come along. It's going to be more of a mental challenge for him than anything: reading the game, reading the ball. Screw that up too many times and he's just the next António Silva.
His development will have to survive the brain farts that are going to come along. It's going to be more of a mental challenge for him than anything: reading the game, reading the ball. Screw that up too many times and he's just the next António Silva.
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A 20 year old CB playing on the biggest stage in football with massive expectations --- I hope their fans are prepared for the growing pains that will inevitably happen.
I would bet on him having an underwhelming first season with a ton of mistakes and twitter constantly picking on him over him being a world class player.
I would bet on him having an underwhelming first season with a ton of mistakes and twitter constantly picking on him over him being a world class player.