In the footsteps of Dean Huijsen, Juventus has discovered another promising Spanish defender in Javier Gil Puche. Born in 2006, Gil Puche joined Juventus’ youth academy in Vinovo in 2023 and has already made his way to the first-team bench in a recent match against Parma.
La Gazzetta dello Sport detail how Gil Puche, known for his robust physicality and competitive spirit, has the potential to follow a similar trajectory to his compatriot Huijsen, who was recently sold to Bournemouth. The young Spaniard made his professional debut in Serie C just a month ago and has quickly caught the eye of Juventus manager Thiago Motta.
Those who know Gil Puche well are confident in his future, citing his determination and work ethic. While he still has much room for growth, the defender possesses skills that align with Motta’s preferences. Gil Puche’s left foot is particularly noteworthy, both powerful and precise, making him a potential asset on set pieces.
Compared to Huijsen, Gil Puche may currently lag slightly in technical ability but surpasses him in application and emotional management, thanks to his inherent maturity. His playing style draws comparisons to Federico Gatti, with Gil Puche described as a rugged leader with exceptional competitive drive.
Juventus scouted Gil Puche extensively before acquiring him from Alaves, following his stint at Murcia. Last season, he made 30 appearances for Juventus’ youth team but missed out on European experience due to the club’s exclusion from the Youth League.
While Gil Puche is aware that the path to his dreams remains long and challenging, his maturity and potential suggest he could become a valuable asset for Juventus in the future. As he continues to develop with the Next Gen team in Serie C, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Motta call upon him for the first team again in the near future.
