Dean Huijsen has heaped praise on Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk as the Bournemouth defender continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer.
The 19-year-old continues to impress following his move to the Premier League from Juventus last summer. Having already established himself in a Bournemouth side battling for a European spot, he went on to make his international debut for Spain last week, coming up against Van Dijk and Cody Gakpo in the Nations League.
His superb form has seen him linked with another move this summer, with some big names said to be eyeing him up. Even his teammates have admitted they don’t expect him to stay with the Cherries beyond this season.
Liverpool is among those linked with Huijsen, with Arne Slot needing to bolster his defense, regardless of whether Van Dijk signs a new contract or not. The Reds could have their work cut out for them though, with Real Madrid also being touted as a possible destination, with speculation in Spain growing over the past week.
Huijsen is said to be a Madrid fan, although it’s clear he also has plenty of admiration for Liverpool’s stars. Asked to name the toughest player he has come up against on the Talkin’ Balls*** podcast, the teenager had one clear candidate.
“I think Salah because he has the ability to create stuff but he also has the ability to be in the right spot all the time to get an assist, to get a goal,” Huijsen said.
“Even against us, he scored two goals but out of nowhere. It was a dribble and he’s just curled it into the top corner. Plus a penalty, obviously, and penalty you have to score it still. But the second goal, he’s just dribbled and put it into the top corner and it’s just so easy. Even if he doesn’t manage to play a great game on the eye, he will still provide. He’s always there.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Salah wasn’t the only player to receive praise, with Huijsen going on to claim that Van Dijk is “100 per cent” the best center-back in the world.
“Obviously I wasn’t one-vs-one playing against him, but just seeing him on the pitch… he’s so impressive,” he explained. “He has an aura. He just stands there and he’s so tall, so strong. He’s a great player to be honest.”
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Before Liverpool fans get too excited though, there was a clear indication from Huijsen of his love for Real Madrid as he went on to name Sergio Ramos as his favorite player growing up.
“My idol was always Ramos when I was growing up,” Huijsen said. “I think he had everything, from goals to leader to on the ball, defensively, character, everything. I used to watch him a lot when I was like 12 or 13.”
