Dean Huijsen plays down Anfield factor and addresses Liverpool transfer interest

Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has played down the significance of an early look at the Anfield pitch as he addressed Liverpool’s transfer interest.

Liverpool were one of several clubs to register interest in the 20-year-old centre-back this summer, but Real Madrid won him over and triggered his £50 million release clause.

He has since played 16 times for the Spanish side, quickly asserting himself as a starter under Xabi Alonso, who opted for his side not to train at Anfield on the eve of the match.

The former Liverpool midfielder explained that he did not want to be “surrounded by 200 cameras” when his squad could train in Madrid without any prying eyes.

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And when asked if it was important to train on the pitch before the match, Huijsen played down the significance of Anfield, saying: “For me personally, I’ve already played here.

“But to be honest, I don’t think it will be a problem for me.

“It’s just a football pitch. In the end, it’s the players that play, and personally I prefer to train at our training ground than here before the game.”

Huijsen has played once at Anfield in his career, a 3-0 defeat with Bournemouth last season, but that ‘football pitch’ may feel quite different on Tuesday night!

Why Huijsen chose Real Madrid over Liverpool

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Despite widespread interest, Huijsen decided on his future soon after the end of last season, with Real Madrid triggering his release clause at Bournemouth before the Club World Cup.

It put an end to Liverpool’s interest, and he was asked during his press conference on Monday evening why he decided on Los Blancos over Arne Slot‘s side.

He said: “I’ve said it many times, going to Real Madrid was a dream of mine and I wanted to play for what is for me, for everyone, the best team and best club in the world.

“I fitted in well with Xabi’s ideas and he told me about the club’s plan, and I’m really happy to be here.”

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