Inter Milan wingback Denzel Dumfries has earned praise for his high impact substitute appearance against Atletico Madrid.
Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, praise the Dutchman for changing the match on his flank after replacing Matteo Darmian in the Champions League clash.
Dumfries did not start for Inter in yesterday evening’s match.
A strong performance in Friday’s match against Salernitana was not enough to earn the 27-year-old a starting place in the Champions League.
Rather, it was Darmian who got the nod from the start in the round of sixteen first leg.
But it wasn’t the best of performances from Darmian. The former Manchester United and Torino man struggled with the pace and movement of Atletico wingback Samuel Lino.
And in terms of contributing in attack, there was little from the Italian international.
Denzel Dumfries Earns Praise For Impact From Bench In Atletico Madrid Clash
It was therefore not that much of a surprise when Inter coach Inzaghi decided to go to his bench.
The Nerazzurri coach completely changed things up on the flanks. Dumfries and Carlos Augusto, who had both started against Salernitana, replaced Darmian and Federico Dimarco.
And Inzaghi’s changes had the desired effect.
Inter immediately gained control of the battle for the wide areas after the substitutions.
Augusto had an effect. Particularly defensively, the Brazilian added new intensity on the left.
But it was Dumfries who really shone.
The former PSV wingback immediately looked comfortable against Lino. He used his strength and pace to push the Atletico man back in a way that Darmian never really had.
Moreover, Dumfries timed his movements well in attack.
The 27-year-old linked up with his teammates around the Atletico penalty area and got in behind Lino on a few occasions.
All in all, it was a performance that gave Inter just the boost they needed.
