Real Madrid summer arrival’s national team spot for the World Cup at risk | OneFootball

In a short period of time since his debut in March, Real Madrid summer signing Dean Huijsen established himself as a regular in the Spanish national team.

Indeed, between March and October, when he had to withdraw from the squad due to injury, the 20-year-old centre-back did not miss a single minute for La Roja under manager Luis de la Fuente.

However, things appear to be changing for the young defender, who did not take part in Spain’s last three matches due to injury.

During that time, Aymeric Laporte, a player greatly trusted by De la Fuente, has once again grown in stature in the Spain camp.

Huijsen’s World Cup place at risk

As such, MARCA reports that Huijsen’s spot in the Spain squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup could now be at risk.

In the World Cup squad that the coach is expected to announce on 25 May, it is expected that there will be space for four centre-backs, with five players contesting for them, as things stand.

Huijsen’s Spain spot could be under threat. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Of those five, Robin Le Normand and the aforementioned Laporte are pretty much locked in, given that they are De la Fuente’s preferred centre-back pairing.

It leaves Huijsen competing for the remaining two spots along with Dani Vivian and Pau Cubarsi. There are other options knocking on the doors such as Aitor Paredes and Cristhian Mosquera.

Given the competition, there are no guarantees that Huijsen will make it to the Spain squad for the World Cup, even more so considering his recent form.

The Spaniard, after a bright start to the season, has seen his level decline, with his camp suggesting that fatigue is a key factor behind it.

Therefore, Huijsen will need to step up in a big way in the second half of the season, not only for Real Madrid to enjoy a successful campaign, but also to secure his place in the Spain squad for the World Cup.