Dean Huijsen shines as Spain celebrate World Cup return with Croatia win

Dean Huijsen marked his return to Spain’s starting side with a composed full-match performance as the world champions defeated Croatia 4-1 in Seville, their first home outing since winning the World Cup.

Huijsen responds after World Cup disappointment

The young centre-back started at the Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium alongside Real Madrid colleague Marc Cucurella and helped Spain collect three Nations League points. It was a significant occasion for Huijsen after he was left out of Luis de la Fuente’s 26-player squad for the summer’s World Cup finals.

Huijsen described the omission as painful for both himself and those close to him, but said his focus was now on making the most of his return to the international set-up.

• Huijsen completed the full 90 minutes against Croatia.
• The former Juventus defender returned directly to Spain’s starting XI.
• Spain won 4-1 in their first fixture on home soil since being crowned world champions.
• The display strengthened Huijsen’s case in the competition for central-defensive places.

Madrid absence had sparked debate

De la Fuente’s summer selection became a major talking point because Spain travelled to the World Cup without a Real Madrid player for the first time in 92 years. Huijsen was among those overlooked as the coach opted for other defensive options.

• Pau Cubarsi was selected for the tournament squad.
• Aymeric Laporte was included among Spain’s centre-back choices.
• Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill were also preferred.

Huijsen’s immediate recall to the line-up indicates that he remains part of De la Fuente’s longer-term plans, despite the setback of missing the tournament.

Spain extend unbeaten run in Group A3

The emphatic result took Spain’s unbeaten sequence to 40 matches and moved them three points clear at the top of Nations League Group A3, ahead of England and Croatia.

De la Fuente’s team will aim to build on that position when they meet Czechia on Saturday. For Huijsen, the Croatia victory offers a timely chance to establish himself again in a crowded race for places at the heart of Spain’s defence.