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Huijsen shows that Newcastle need to take risks in transfer market

As the full time whistle went at St James’ Park, a mumbled silence fell over the stadium. Newcastle United had just seen their unbeaten run stopped by a tireless Bournemouth side, who ran riot to secure a 4-1 win. Their travelling support, pinned at the top of the stand behind one of the goals, joyously serenaded their deserving players.

It was a statement win; a coming of age win. Tyneside was expectant and Newcastle were flying; nine straight wins had transformed their season and Champions League football had become a very realistic aim. Alexander Isak had scored eight goals in successive Premier League games, a club record; though the Cherries had gone nine games unbeaten themselves before making the longest away trip in the top flight, there was no need to fear them.

Andoni Iraola has firmly disproven the doubters who emerged when he first arrived to replace Gary O’Neil at the Vitality Stadium in the summer of 2023. His brand of football -derived from the teachings of his former boss Marcelo Bielsa – had blown people away with pure ferocity, energy and relentlessness. Coupled with his meticulous attention to detail and constant demands, and excellent recruitment, Iraola had transformed Bournemouth from perennial strugglers to European hopefuls.

Yet still, nobody really expected them to win in the North East. Nine injuries and a bench packed with teenagers gave a full strength Magpies side the advantage. At least that’s what everyone thought.

From minute one, it was a masterclass. Bournemouth never let Newcastle settle on the ball and executed an excellent game plan to disrupt their opponents in midfield and completely isolate Isak in attack. They swarmed Newcastle, taking the lead inside 10 minutes through Justin Kluivert and never really relenting control of the contest from there.

Though Bruno Guimaraes did equalise, Kluivert, son of former Newcastle striker Patrick, completed his hat-trick before Milos Kerkez rounded off the emphatic afternoon.

Kluivert has taken the headlines since, and he is a great example of Bournemouth’s smart work in the market, joining from from Roma for around £10m. But Dean Huijsen, their teenage defender who joined from Juventus last summer, is somebody who deserves a lot of attention. His performance at Newcastle was exemplary, and Bournemouth have been rewarded for their bravery in playing the youngster after a fairly modest £12m move from Juventus.

Huijsen was the main reason Isak didn’t get a meaningful kick during the game. He engaged with the striker and kept him quiet, before making two crucial second half blocks to deny  Anthony Gordon. But he was also crucial for starting attacks and distributing the ball from the back; he looked accomplished beyond his years and perfectly suited to the Premier League, but he has been growing in confidence and stature throughout the campaign.

His performance must have frustrated Newcastle too. Their need to be frugal with their money due to Profit and Sustainability Rules is well known, as is their desire to strengthen at the heart of their defence. Huijsen was linked a lot in the summer, and although they made bids for Marc Guehi, a more experienced defender, they could learn from Bournemouth’s approach to finding gems in the market.

There is less pressure on the Cherries. It is part of why they were able to embrace the chaos at Newcastle; they are punching above their weight. Eddie Howe may not have that luxury anymore, particularly in the transfer market. Every player he signs must be a success.

But if Saturday’s game, and the performances of Kluivert and particularly Huijsen, have shown how taking risks in the market can lead to high rewards.

Bournemouth are in the Champions League race. That is no fluke. It is down to details, bravery and excellent recruitment. They are being handsomely rewarded for all three.