While the football world cannot stop raving about the brilliance of the Inter Milan vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League semifinal, in which the former were victorious 7-6 over two legs, a new hero has emerged for the Nerazzurri.
Denzel Dumfries scored two goals in the first leg in Barcelona and then registered two assists at San Siro for Inter Milan.
Even keeping the irrepressible Lamine Yamal in mind, it has to be acknowledged that Dumfries was the player of the epic semifinal.
The 29-year-old Dutch right-back or right wing-back has been around for quite some time now.
He played for a number of Dutch clubs before signing for Inter Milan in 2021. Since then, he has made 173 appearances for the Italian giants and won a Serie A title with them as well.
Denzel Dumfries Proves His Worth for Inter Milan
However, never did he make his presence felt like he did over two legs against Barcelona.
The first leg was all about the world coming to terms with the otherworldly brilliance of Yamal. However, Inter stayed in the tie mainly because of Dumfries scoring a couple of goals from corners.
Yamal was once again a menace for Inter in the second leg and Simone Inzaghi’s side had mainly goalkeeper Yan Sommer and the woodwork to thank.
Still, it was Dumfries, who played a couple of crosses to Lautaro Martinez and Francesco Acerbi, respectively, to help Inter keep pace with Barca.
Acerbi’s equalizer in the dying minutes of stipulated time must be one of the most wildly celebrated goals in Inter’s history.
While Dumfries’ enormous contribution in the second leg pointed to the glaring weakness Barcelona had on the left side of their defence, it also highlighted the Dutchman’s key attributes as a player.
Dumfries is a robust, no-nonsense player, whose speed, strength and directness thrive in Inter’s 3-5-2 formation.
The right wing-back is quite a physical specimen and does not waste time in attacking when he is provided with space in the wide areas of the opposition half.
That quality of his was utilised superbly by Simone Inzaghi. His good crossing abilities only complement his ability to surge forward.
Dumfries has scored eight goals and has five assists this season for the Nerazzurri, which makes him one of their key players.
Whether Inter Milan manage to win the coveted double of UCL and Serie A this season or not, Dumfries has more than played his part for his team. The Dutchman will always cherish the memory of the brilliant semifinal, as will most of his teammates.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / ABACAPRESS
Recording Date: 07.05.2025