Former Liverpool captain Jamie Redknapp has described Dean Huijsen as a “complete player” as the Bournemouth defender continues to be linked with a move to Anfield.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a superb first season since making the move to the Premier League from Juventus last summer. His form in a Bournemouth side that has been challenging for a place in Europe this season has not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool just one of a number of big clubs said to be eyeing him up ahead of the summer transfer window.
And Huijsen certainly didn’t do his reputation any harm on Saturday, with his goal helping the Cherries to a 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, with Andoni Iraola’s side doing the double over the Gunners this season.
His performance has drawn yet more attention as the summer draws near, with reports suggesting that Liverpool’s scouts are keeping a close eye on him, which comes as no surprise to Redknapp.
“The young players, everybody looks up to this young man,” Redknapp told Sky Sports. “20 years of age, he is so cool, so composed, so chilled, as he says. He just makes the game look so easy and effortless.
“For a 20-year-old to be playing at this level and doing what he is, that’s why he’s coveted by pretty much everybody in Europe.”
Redknapp added: “I think if you’re creating a footballer, the modern day center-back, you’ve got a bit of the influence from the Netherlands, you’ve got a bit of the influence from Spain where they come out with the ball and all the great defenders they’ve had, and then you’ve got that Italian mark on it as well.
(Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
“The journey and the little mixture that he’s got is pretty perfect, and now he’s found himself in the Premier League.
“The elements are good, everything is right with him. You have to get all the right ingredients to be a top player.
“The amount of times you see him cruising into midfield with the ball, he plays it out wide, but he also defends well. That side of the game is so important to him, he’s a complete player this young man.”
Learn more
Rumors have swirled that Huijsen has a $66 million release clause in his contract at Bournemouth, which may make a transfer easier for the multitude of suitors he appears to have. Redknapp, though, feels the decision may not be so easy for the defender.
“It’s an interesting one for him in the summer, because everyone wants him, he’s going to get a lot of offers,” Redknapp said.
“Is he better off having another year at Bournemouth and keep developing, or does he make that step? Real Madrid, everybody’s talking about him, Barcelona.
“They might need to sell because of Financial Fair Play. This doesn’t do any harm, the fact that you’re scoring goals live on Sky, his price tag is going up by the day.”
