Joseph Nonge Boende and Dean Huijsen have made their senior Juventus debuts during the World Cup break: here’s a profile of two of the most exciting prospects of Juventus’ academy.
Boende, 17, is a central midfielder and was introduced in the second half against Arsenal and Rijeka, the two friendlies played by Max Allegri’s Juventus during the break.
He joined the Bianconeri from Anderlecht in the summer of 2021 and, as reported by Gazzetta, he was scouted by the Bianconeri in 2019, during a Youth League International Challenge Cup Final between the Belgian side and Wolverhampton.
Nonge Boende was born in Bruxelles but has Congolese roots. A U18 Belgium international, he began his career as a centre-back and was coached by ex-Man City centre-back Vincent Kompany, who saw him as one of his heirs, according to Gazzetta.
He has one goal and one assist in 17 appearances with Juventus’ U19 (Primavera) this term and his idol is Juventus star Paul Pogba.
Huijsen, on the other hand, is a Dutch centre-back who also moved to Turin last year, from Malaga.
The 17-year-old was not involved against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London but was introduced in the second half of Thursday’s 1-0 win over Rijeka in Turin.
His father Donny was a product of Ajax academy along with Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert, but his career never reached their peaks.
Despite being a central defender, the 17-year-old has scored six goals in 14 appearances with Juventus U19 squad this term, coached by club legend Paolo Montero.
The Dutch defender is physically strong but also has good technique, making him one of the most exciting prospects at the club. It’s no coincidence that, according to Gazzetta, Barcelona and Real Madrid were also keen on him last year.
He’s been impressive also off the pitch, being one of the students with the highest grades at the J College, the school founded by Juventus and attended by players of their academy.
“Allegri told me to do what I know because ‘if you are here, it means that you are good,’ Huijsen told Juventus TV on Thursday.
“I’ve been learning a lot [with the first team] and I feel at ease with everyone at the club. I am on good terms with coach Montero.”
That’s it. More stranieri in ‘A’.
But let’s continue to wonder why the National Team struggles,
Wonder Italian talent. What’s the point of the u23 team
Obvious. To act as a feeder club for the First Team.