Inter Milan wingback Denzel Dumfries has been praised for decisively winning his battle with his AC Milan opposite number Theo Hernandez in yesterday evening’s Champions League semifinal second leg.
Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, single out the Dutchman’s dogged defensive display,
French international Hernandez is undoubtedly one of Milan’s greatest attacking weapons.
The 25-year-old former Real Madrid and Real Sociedad man is often the player to drive play on for the Rossoneri. Hernandez’s marauding runs, dribbling ability, and deliveries and range of passing can wreak havoc on opposition defenses.
Accordingly, keeping the Frenchman quiet was always likely to be one of the major tasks for Inter to stop Milan. Particularly with Rafael Leao back in attack, the partnership between the Portuguese and Hernandez is often lethal.
Denzel Dumfries Kept Theo Hernandez Quiet
However, 27-year-old former PSV wingback Dumfries proved more than up to the task.
The wingback stuck to his task all night, rarely giving Hernandez time and space with the ball. Dumfries didn’t let the Frenchman get past him, and this dampened the Rossoneri’s attacking threat greatly.
For the Corriere, the Dutcman’s display was worthy of a 7/10 grade in the player ratings for the match.
Meanwhile, the entire back three also came in for praise.
Alessandro Bastoni’s performance was rated at 6.5/10. Meanwhile, both of Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian received 7/10 scores as they showed their experience to get in the way of everything and keep Milan striker Olivier Giroud quiet.
Elsewhere on the pitch, Inter’s match-winner Lautaro Martinez received the highest score of anyone. The Argentine striker was given a 7.5/10 grade, not just for his goal but for an exemplary hard-running overall display.
Meanwhile, the Corriere also give coach Simone Inzaghi the same score of 7.5/10.
