David Raya backs £50m Spanish teammate to succeed at new club

Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has expressed his confidence that Spain teammate Dean Huijsen will thrive at Real Madrid following the young defender’s high-profile move from Bournemouth.

The 20-year-old centre-back left the Premier League side last month after Los Blancos activated his £50 million release clause, concluding a remarkable rise that began just a year ago when he joined Bournemouth from Juventus. Despite initial plans to spend two years with the Cherries, Huijsen quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout young defenders, attracting attention from top clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

Ultimately, the Spanish international chose Real Madrid, signing a five-year deal. He is expected to make his debut during this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup tournament.

Speaking on The Fozcast podcast hosted by former Manchester United and Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster, Raya praised Huijsen’s fearless mentality, which he believes will serve him well at the Bernabéu.

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“He’s good to go,” Raya said. “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?”

**Dean Huijsen (Image credit: Getty Images)**

David Raya continued: “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 earned his first cap for Spain in a 2–2 draw with the Netherlands in March, and it was during that match that he caught Raya’s eye with a bold long-range effort—showcasing the confidence that has defined his rise.

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In an interview with AS, Huijsen admitted that he originally intended to stay longer at Bournemouth but was swept up by the pace of his development. “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,” he said.

He also revealed his admiration for Madrid icon Sergio Ramos: “I try and aspire to be like Sergio Ramos—he’s my idol. For me, he’s very complete; he had everything: leadership, goalscoring, personality, character.”

Huijsen has already held discussions with Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti following a trophyless season. “We’ve talked a bit about the team and what he has in mind, and about the project,” Huijsen 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.”