Defender Huijsen 19 earns first Spain call up

Bournemouth centre back Dean Huijsen received a first call-up to the Spain squad on Monday after Barcelonas Inigo Martinez suffered an injury ahead of their Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands.

The 19-year-old Dutch-born Huijsen, who is having an impressive season with Bournemouth as they chase European football, represented the Netherlands at youth levels before switching to Spain Under-21s.

A product of the Juventus academy, Huijsen joined Bournemouth in July and has made 27 appearances for the Premier League club.

Inigo Martinez has been ruled out of the Spanish national team squad due to a right knee problem, the Royal Spanish Football Federation said in a statement.

In his place, (Spain manager) Luis de la Fuente has called up Dean Huijsen of Bournemouth.

Spain, who won last years European Championship, travel to Rotterdam to face the Dutch in the first leg of the Nations League quarters on Thursday before hosting them at the Mestalla Stadium on March 23. REUTERS

Join STs Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.