Huijsen is this week part of the senior Spain squad for the first time.
The defender joined Bournemouth last summer from Juventus, having spent part of the season on-loan with Roma.
He recalled to EFE: "I went to Juve at 16 and went through the entire youth sector until I reached the first team. Last season I was loaned to Roma, where I played for six months, until they bought me in England.
"The reason I went to Italy was to improve in defense, I wanted to be more complete. In Spain I was impressed by the movement of the ball, in England by the intensity with which they play. The high pace and direct confrontation helped me learn a lot.
"I've had good coaches, Iraola is really influencing me. Before I was with Mourinho, De Rossi, Allegri... I can only be grateful to them because they gave me opportunities. I took something from everyone, I learned from each of them."
Asked about Jose Mourinho before his dismissal last season, Huijsen added: "Yes, he called me and it was an experience. What I remember about him is the competitiveness he teaches you. I learned a lot about the defensive line, even though I was with him for a short time. I would have liked to stay with him longer.
"I also had a lot of fun with De Rossi, he was like a second father to me. In Italy, defence is fundamental. He also helped me off the pitch, controlling me and things like that."