Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has lifted the lid on how an audacious move by one of his team-mates left him surprised before they sealed a big money transfer move abroad
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has backed his Spain team-mate Dean Huijsen to be a big success at Real Madrid. The defender’s departure from Bournemouth was confirmed last month after the La Liga side met his £50million release clause.
Huijsen joined the Cherries from Juventus last summer and quickly made his name as one of the Premier League‘s best defenders. The 20-year-old attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal as the season drew to a close.
However, he ultimately chose to join Los Blancos on a five-year deal and could make his debut during this summer’s Club World Cup tournament. Huijsen earned his first cap for the Spanish national team in a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in March.
One moment in particular caught Raya’s eye from the bench during that game as the centre-back attempted an audacious long-range effort at goal. And the Gunners’ shot-stopper told former Manchester United and Wrexham keeper Ben Foster that Huijsen’s confidence is a good sign that he will succeed in Madrid.
Speaking on the Fozcast podcast, Raya said: “He’s good to go. You know why? Can I swear here? He has zero f***s given. That’s how you interpret him, in a good way. He made his debut for Spain back in March and what 19-year-old centre-back has a shot from 30 yards out on his weak foot?
“I swear, he just had a shot from 30 yards out on his left foot on his debut. I don’t know how young players do this stuff so naturally nowadays. When I was 17 or 18 and training with the first team, you were so quiet and not doing anything.”
Huijsen recently revealed that he initially planned to spend two years at Bournemouth but things moved “very quickly”. He also opened up about how he wants to emulate the career of Madrid legend Sergio Ramos.
He told AS: “I may be [the happiest man in the world], really, although my father is probably even happier. My plan was to spend two years at Bournemouth, grow, and then figure out what to do next. But things have moved very quickly, faster than I expected.
“I try and aspire to be like Sergio Ramos, he’s my idol. For me, he’s very complete, he had everything. In terms of leadership, goalscoring, personality, character.”
Huijsen said he’s already spoken to Real’s new coach Xabi Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti after Los Blancos finished their season without a major trophy.
“We’ve talked a bit about the team and what he has in mind, and about the project,” he said. “Of course, we want to win things again, and I’m sure we will… I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. But I’m here at Madrid, and I’ll try to do my best.”
He added: “I want to play with the best. [Kylian] Mbappé, Vinícius [Júnior], Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, all those in attack – they’re some of the best there is.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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