Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen eyes long-term Spain partnership with Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí

Real Madrid defender backs budding Spain pairing with Barcelona prodigy

Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has revealed his hope of forming a long-lasting central defensive partnership with Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí at international level, after the duo impressed together on Spain duty this week.

The pair were handed the central defensive berth by Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente from the opening whistle in La Roja's Nations League clash with Croatia on Tuesday night, offering an early glimpse of a potential new-look backline.

The selection represented a departure from the standout pairing of Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, which anchored Spain's defence on the way to glory at last summer's World Cup. It also served as deserved recognition for Huijsen, whose start to the campaign with Real Madrid has been eye-catching following his move from Bournemouth via Juventus.

Speaking to the media after the match, the former Juventus and Bournemouth talent was asked about his long-term prospects alongside the Barcelona defensive prodigy — and did not hold back in his praise.

"The Huijsen-Cubarsí duo? It's good. I think you can see the level he has," Huijsen said. "We get along really well, and I hope it continues like this. Besides being a great player, he's also a great guy. I hope we can share the dressing room for a long time."

With both players still at the outset of their international careers, the early signs of the partnership will encourage Luis de la Fuente as Spain look to build for the future.