[MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 18: Dean Huijsen #24 of Real Madrid C.F. controls the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group H match between Real Madrid CF and Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium on June 18, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 18: Dean Huijsen #24 of Real Madrid C.F. controls the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group H match between Real Madrid CF and Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium on June 18, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)](https://football-italia.net/capello-surprised-huijsen-real-madrid-level/) Former coach Fabio Capello is ‘surprised’ that Juventus didn’t see Dean Huijsen’s potential but feels Bianconeri star Kenan Yildiz is another player worthy of Real Madrid.
Juventus and Real Madrid meet in the Club World Cup Round of 16 in Miami today.
It will be a reunion between Huijsen and Yildiz, two products of the Juventus academy who have taken different paths.
Huijsen made one senior Juventus appearance before joining Bournemouth for €15m plus add-ons in 2024. Only a few weeks ago, he completed a permanent transfer to Real Madrid in a deal worth over €60m.
Capello surprised about Juventus’ transfer decision on Huijsen
LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Former Milan and Juventus coach Fabio Capello of Italy managing the Red Team during a charity match for the Slovenian flood victims on September 15, 2023 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. In August 2023 major floods occurred in two-thirds of the Slovenian territory due to heavy rain. Deemed as the worst natural disaster of the country. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images) (Bayern-Inter)
Fabio Capello (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
“I am surprised that Juventus didn’t see the clear potential of the boy,” Capello told Gazzetta.
“Huijsen didn’t just suddenly become good. If he’s playing for Real Madrid at 20, he’s surely good enough for Juventus.
Juventus are looking for a new centre-back this summer and Capello has clear ideas about the profile the Bianconeri should be looking at.
“Bremer’s return will help, but Giorgio Chiellini should really find another…Chiellini on the market,” said the ex-coach.
Turkish talent Yildiz has arguably been Juventus’ best player in the Club World Cup, and Capello believes he has the potential to play at even higher levels.
Capello feels Yildiz could play for Real Madrid
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 22: Kenan Yildiz #10 of Juventus FC celebrates scoring his team's third goal with Khephren Thuram #19, Randal Kolo Muani #20 and Timothy Weah #22 of Juventus FC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Kenan Yildiz #10 of Juventus FC celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Khephren Thuram #19, Randal Kolo Muani #20 and Timothy Weah #22 of Juventus FC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
“Yildiz has talent and the humility of a champion. He’s a Real Madrid-level player,” he said.
“Juventus are right to hold on to him tightly. This could be his game.”
Kylian Mbappé will be available against Juventus today, although he’s expected to start on the bench.
“Vinicius, Mbappé and Bellingham are potential Ballon d’Or winners,” Capello concluded.
“Many said Carlo Ancelotti solely relied on individual talent, but he was brilliant at enhancing the players’ characteristics. Let’s see what Xabi Alonso does now. He surely doesn’t lack the personality to assert himself in Madrid.”
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