Inter wingback Denzel Dumfries has been showing that he can have a decisive impact in both attack and defense this season, even amid a campaign where he has been far from his best overall.
This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who highlight how the 26-year-old Dutch international has managed to make his contribution when it matters most even despite struggles for consistency.
Not very long ago, Dumfries had been a hot name linked with the likes of Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United, with Inter needing to make a big sale and the Dutchman potentially the man to go in the summer to bring a big fee into the club’s coffers.
The reason why was not too hard to understand, as the former PSV wingback had caught the eyes of some of Europe’s elite with his starring role for the Dutch national team at the World Cup in Qatar, particular his man of the match display against the US in the round of sixteen.
Moreover, there was broadly a sense that Dumfries had really found his feet at Inter last season after a couple months spent settling in, proving that he is ready for a top club.
However, from a post-World Cup valuation of €60 million, the price tag for Dumfries has fallen precipitously.
Rather than kicking on from his displays in Qatar, the 26-year-old has struggled and seemingly regressed from the level that he established at Inter last season.
For long periods since the winter break, Dumfries has been second-choice on the right flank behind Matteo Darmian, even if the 33-year-old’s move to the back three to fill in for Milan Skriniar has afforded him some chances to play.
Nevertheless, the Gazzetta notes, it is not as though Dumfries hasn’t had his say.
The Dutchman has made three absolutely vital blocks during the period, first on Isaac Success in a league win over Udinese in February and then two last-ditch interventions to scramble the ball away against Porto and Benfica in the Champions League.
Moreover, Dumfries has continued to prove that, even if his overall performances are not those of a player in form, he has undoubted quality in the final third.
The Dutchman played a key role in winning the penalty from which Inter equalized against Juventus in the Coppa Italia last week.
From the perspective of the Gazzetta, moments like these show that even when Dumfries is not at his best, he can be a decisive player.