Nigel de Jong has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur-linked Denzel Dumfries is the Netherlands’ ‘best player’ and that has been the case for a few years now.
Even though the Dutch have Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk at the back, de Jong picked out Dumfries amid his performances at the Qatar World Cup.
The versatile attacker, who operates as a right-sided wing-back in Louis van Gaal’s detailed and efficient system, provided two assisted and scored a goal as his nation knocked the USA out of the Qatar World Cup on Saturday.
At Euro 2020, the 26-year-old shone brightly for the Oranje and he is now cooking on football’s biggest stage where he is ready to possibly guide his team to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
There is the small matter of Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina standing in the Dutch’s way in the quarter-finals, and whilst Dumfries has been singing and dancing going forward, from a defensive standpoint, this is going to be a different test altogether.
Former Netherlands international de Jong lauded his fellow countryman and what he brings to the table, as he told beIN SPORTS (03/12/22 at 6:20 pm).
“By far, during the last couple of years, he has been the Netherlands’ best player,” said de Jong. “I think the path that he went through.
“Also another one of those players, like Virgil van Dijk, he wasn’t really up to speed when it came down to his potential talent (as a youngster) in the Dutch system. He did it all his own way, and you can see that.
“I love his determination. His dedication and hunger. He is always looking to improve himself and that’s one of the reasons why he is a star player in this team.
“Defensive-wise he is solid. But going forward, he is also a great asset. The amount of time he comes into the 18-yard box as a half of a winger is amazing. The number of chances he creates for others. That says something about his game and potential.”
TOTTENHAM LINKED WITH DUMFRIES
With Dumfries working his magic as a wing-back, it isn’t a surprise that a certain Antonio Conte is keen on bringing him to north London.
The only issue Tottenham have is that his current form at the World Cup has resulted in Inter Milan increasing their valuation for the player – and it will only grow the further van Gaal’s side go in the competition.
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