Juventus icon laments club’s decision to sell current Real Madrid star – ‘A big mistake’ | OneFootball

Alessio Tacchinardi, a Champions League winner with Juventus, has recently spoken to AS, where he talked about Dean Huijsen.

The former Italian midfielder, who made over 400 appearances for Juventus, believes the Bianconeri shouldn’t have offloaded Huijsen.

The young defender, after all, was a product of the Juventus youth academy between 2021 to 2024 before eventually settling for a move to the Premier League.

What Tacchinardi said about Huijsen

Talking about Huijsen’s rapid rise of prominence since leaving Juventus, Tacchinardi believes it was a mistake from the Italian giants to offload the young defender in 2024.

“It was a big mistake, and we’re only now realizing it. I watched him play many times with Juventus’ U23 team because my house is right next to the pitch,” Tacchinardi said.

His comments come against the backdrop of the young defender enjoying a stellar first season at Real Madrid, having established himself as one of Xabi Alonso’s most trusted options at the back.

“His potential is tremendous, and he could be a phenomenal center-back, but he needs to improve defensively to reach that level. It was a shame he left,” he added.

Huijsen has indeed shown immense potential so far at Real Madrid, to a point where the club are ready to build the core of their future defensive setup revolving around the Spaniard.

Unfortunately, though, a recent injury means Huijsen will not be available for action when Real Madrid take on his former club.

The youngster was not included in the Real Madrid squad heading into this game as he continues to work on his recovery. It remains to be seen whether or not he can return in time for the weekend clash against Barcelona.

Dean Huijsen won’t be available against Juventus. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Other than Huijsen, Tacchinardi talked about a former Real Madrid academy star who is doing well in Serie A – Nico Paz.

“He’s pure quality. We’ve already seen what he did against us. If I were to decide on Madrid, I’d bring him back right away. I don’t think there are many in Europe at his level. He plays football unlike any other. He has brilliant technique and vision,” he said.

The former Italian midfielder went on to state that if Nico Paz does return to Real Madrid, he should receive regular game-time.

“He comes back to Madrid, it has to be to play. The only thing he needs to improve is his engine. He needs to step up a gear in terms of intensity. Along with Yamal and Yildiz, he’ll be one of the stars of world football for years to come,” he added.

While Huijsen won’t be a part of the Real Madrid-Juventus game, one player who will play a key role in Kylian Mbappe. Tacchinardi, though, is more of a Vinicius fan.

“He’s an incredible footballer, but I like Vinicius more. He’s a weakness. Bellingham is also a star at his best, although he’s struggling a bit to get into rhythm,” he said.

Tacchinardi also talked about Luka Modric, who is currently playing in Serie A after leaving Rela Madrid last summer.

“Modric is a genius and has an intelligent coach who wants him to be the linchpin of everything. Allegri is looking to put him in the most open position possible because Milan depends on him,” he noted.

“Luka has changed the team’s play, its style, and has raised their level significantly,” he added.

When asked whether or not Modric could have stayed at Real Madrid for another year, Tacchinardi had an interesting response.

“Of course. He has more than enough quality and physique. Not enough to play every game, but enough to play in the important ones, where his quality and experience are most needed.

“You can’t kill him running defensively, but replacing a player like that is almost impossible. One game a week, he could have played at a high level, without a doubt,” he said.

Finally, talking about his about outlook on the game, Tacchinardi admitted that Real Madrid have impressed him.

“This Real Madrid team hasn’t thrilled me yet as a unit or in terms of their level of play, but they have some world-class individual players. The Bernabéu will push hard, and that, combined with Vinicius and Mbappe, is enough to defeat anyone,” he said.

“Real Madrid may look like they’re dead, but if their opponents let their guard down, they’re the ones who kill them. It will be difficult for us because of the recent defeat in Como , which generates distrust and adds pressure.

“Taking something positive from it would be important for our self-esteem and confidence before playing Lazio in Rome,” he concluded.