Denzel Dumfries should no longer disappear from the base of the Dutch national team, according to Hans Kraay Jr. ESPN was still critical about ‘the lack’ of backs last week after the 1-1 against Norway, as the wing defenders were constantly in the opponent’s half. However, Kraay Jr. was satisfied on Saturday evening with how Tyrell Malacia and in particular Dumfries performed their duties.
“The backs against Norway were not backs, they were high,” Kraay Jr. referred to Jurrien Timber and Daley Blind. “But today the backs were back. Defend first and then forward. Dumfries stands on the field with a happy face, with dynamite on his back and then he goes wild. You know in advance that he doesn’t have the most refined technique, but he puts the balls back and he’s back in time.”
Jan Joost van Gangelen asked Kraay Jr. whether Dumfries, who played his 25th international match on Saturday, should also appear at the starting signal against Turkey next Tuesday. “All those national coaches should stay away from him,” the analyst replied in a serious tone. “In twenty international matches, Ronald Koeman has drafted a different right-back than Dumfries eleven times. Dwight Lodeweges chose Hans Hateboer twice. Frank de Boer used Dumfries the most, but also passed it five times.”
“They have to stop that, Dumfries is undisputed”, emphasized Kraay Jr. After the game, national coach Louis van Gaal was also very pleased with the way in which his choice for Dumfries had turned out at the expense of Timber. Steven Berghuis in particular benefited from the presence of the right back, Van Gaal thought. “Because of the substitution I made with Dumfries, we got a running right-back. This made it easier for Berghuis to play, because he now had an extra choice.”