The Real Madrid player who could be left out of Spain's squad

Luis de la Fuente is preparing a World Cup list that could have significant consequences for Real Madrid. One of the names generating the most doubts in the environment of the Spanish national team is Dean Huijsen, a young white center-back who has not fully lived up to expectations this season.

The defender arrived as one of the great prospects for the future, but his inconsistency has put him in a delicate position. With fierce competition in defense, the coach could make a tough decision and leave him out of the World Cup squad.

Huijsen loses ground at the worst moment

Dean Huijsen is facing the final stretch of the season with more doubts than certainties. His transfer to Real Madrid suddenly raised expectations around a young center-back with great physical presence, good ball distribution, and potential to become a key figure in the Spanish defense for the next decade.

However, transitioning to the white club is not always easy. The daily demands, the pressure of the Santiago Bernabéu, and the need to perform almost flawlessly have weighed on a player still maturing.

Huijsen has shown flashes of quality, especially in ball control and his first pass, but he has also displayed defensive lapses that are noticeable in high-pressure situations. At Real Madrid, every mistake is magnified. And in a World Cup list, every doubt could cost a spot.

Luis de la Fuente highly values continuity, reliability, and knowledge of the system. Therefore, although Huijsen is part of the group of promising center-backs, his presence in the World Cup no longer seems as secure as it did a few months ago.

The coach not only requires talent but also players who can provide immediate guarantees in a short tournament, where one bad night could eliminate Spain. This is where the Madrid center-back begins to lose ground.

Intense competition

Huijsen's problem is not only his performance but also the quality of the rivals ahead of him. Spain boasts a strong lineup of defenders with profiles that seem to have an edge in Luis de la Fuente's plans.

Pau Cubarsí has emerged as one of the great talents in Spanish football. His maturity, ball distribution, and ability to compete on big stages position him favorably.

Aymeric Laporte continues to bring experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of the team dynamic. Despite time passing, he remains a central figure for the national team and a player De la Fuente knows well.

Robin Le Normand also stands out as a solid option. His aggressiveness, tactical discipline, and ability to defend from the front fit the coach's vision.

In addition, there is Marc Pubill, a different profile, versatile to play on the right side, but also capable of expanding the team's defensive options. His presence in the mix further reduces the chances for other players.

In this scenario, Huijsen finds himself in a tough battle. He may have more potential than some competitors, but in a World Cup, it's not always the most promising players who make the trip, but those in the best form offering greater security.

Also a blow for Real Madrid

If Dean Huijsen is ultimately excluded from the squad, the decision will be seen as a significant setback for the player and also for Real Madrid. The club would see one of its most promising young defenders lose out on an opportunity to solidify his international status.

The situation is even more striking given the context at Real Madrid. Dani Carvajal, a club legend, also seems unlikely to make the World Cup squad, leaving Madrid with two painful absences in the Spanish national team.

For Carvajal, this marks the end of a historic era. For Huijsen, it's an early warning. The center-back still has time to correct his course, but he knows that the international stage waits for no one.

De la Fuente does not base his decisions on names or reputations. His priority is to build a competitive, balanced, and reliable team. If he believes Huijsen isn't at the right level, he won't hesitate to leave him out.

The absence of the young center-back would be one of the major surprises in the squad, but not an inexplicable decision. His talent is evident, his future still bright, but the present dictates.

Right now, Huijsen is in serious danger of watching the World Cup from home.