Inter wingback Denzel Dumfries feels that the defensive tactics are quite different between playing for the Dutch national team and playing in Serie A.
Speaking to Dutch broadcaster SPORF, the 26-year-old compared the style of defending under Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal to how he defends with the Nerazzurri, and stated that he’s happy to learn both styles of defending.
Dumfries has experienced something of a growth in his footballing education over the past couple of years, as he’s become a regular for his national team under Frank de Boer and van Gaal whilst he also made his first move to a new league to join Inter.
The Dutchman did not immediately settle in at Inter following his move from PSV last summer, needing a number of weeks before he became a regular in the starting eleven, but as he grew into an important player he looks to have become more comfortable with the style of play in Italy.
“In Italy the goal is defended more in a more compact way, you focus more on playing deep,” he said. “Whereas here, the coach van Gaal wants us to press hard and attack the ball carrier immediately, and then defend later.”
“I’m not saying that’s not done in Italy, but it’s done in a different way,” he added. “For me, being able to play in both Serie A and the Dutch national team is a good thing.”
