{"id":595434,"date":"2021-07-05T07:06:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-05T11:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=595434"},"modified":"2026-03-15T13:53:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T17:53:16","slug":"euro-2020-denzel-dumfries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/07\/05\/euro-2020-denzel-dumfries\/","title":{"rendered":"How Euro 2020 Put Denzel Dumfries on the Map"},"content":{"rendered":"

Forthe Netherlands<\/a>, Euro 2020 will go down as a disappointment. Their 2-0<\/a> loss against the Czech Republic was a dark day for the Orangemen. For PSV\u2019s Denzel Dumfries, however, Euro 2020 will be known as the period in which he rose to international prominence.<\/p>\n

The attacking fullback put in some great displays during the Netherlands\u2019 campaign. Even in their subpar performance against the Czech Republic<\/a>, he made strong runs forward and threw himself into some heroic blocks.<\/p>\n

He consistently looked like the complete modern fullback. Adept at going forward and defending, whilst also having solid technical ability, he\u2019s everything a fullback should be and more.\u00a0He\u2019s versatile, too. He can also play on the right wing if needed, and on rare occasions the left wing as well.<\/p>\n

He gets forward very effectively. His pace and off the ball movement makes him a nightmare for defenders to deal with. He knows how to pull defenders out of position and disrupt a backline.<\/p>\n

Euro 2020 proved to be the launching pad that Dumfries needed. After a stellar showing, he\u2019s now on many top clubs\u2019 radars. But just how did he work himself into this position?<\/p>\n

Denzel Dumfries Puts Himself on the Map at Euro 2020<\/h2>\n

Dumfries at Euro 2020<\/h3>\n

Before Euro 2020, Dumfries had never scored for his country. This changed very quickly, as he put himself on the scoresheet against Ukraine and Austria in back-to-back games.\u00a0The Ukraine encounter appeared comfortable at first, as the Dutch went 2-0 up. Ukraine were defiant however, and bravely battled back to 2-2.<\/p>\n

Despite this setback, Netherlands pushed forward again. Nathan Ake lofted a ball into the box, which was met by Dumfries who headed the ball into the net. This one, key moment made Dumfries an instant Dutch hero.<\/p>\n

The game against Austria was much more comfortable. The Netherlands got off to a good start, as Memphis Depay<\/a> scored a penalty in the 11th<\/sup> minute. The Austrians looked to hit the Netherlands on the break, but they didn\u2019t give them the space to do so.\u00a0Eventually, his PSV teammate Donyell Malen<\/a> was played through, allowing him to square it to the marauding Dumfries. The game was won.<\/p>\n

After a comfortable 3-0 win over North Macedonia, the Netherlands progressed to the last 16. However, this would be their last cause for celebration.<\/p>\n

In the last 16, the Netherlands were drawn against the Czech Republic. They started brightly, opening the Czechs up frequently. Crucially, Dumfries made a massive block in the first half to prevent a goal.<\/p>\n

However, everything came crashing down after one isolated incident. The Czech found themselves in with a chance, with only Matthijs De Ligt to beat. As the ball was played past him, De Ligt discreetly handballed it to stop it going past him \u2013 but not discreetly enough.<\/p>\n

De Ligt was sent off, and the Dutch slumped to a 2-0 defeat.<\/a> The Netherlands, and consequently Dumfries\u2019 Euros campaign was over.<\/p>\n

Could a Big Money Move Be on the Horizon?<\/h3>\n

Several clubs have been linked with Dumfries following Euro 2020.\u00a0He\u2019d be a perfect fit in the Premier League, given his high work rate. The modern game requires fullbacks to cover an immense amount space, but this is light work for Dumfries.<\/p>\n

The Bundesliga, likewise, demands a high level of stamina from the players within it, so he\u2019d be fine there too. With Bayern slowly but surely converting Joshua Kimmich into a central midfielder, Dumfries could certainly fill in at right back.<\/p>\n

Given his wide skillset, he could theoretically play as a utility player. Versatility is another important attribute in today\u2019s game, given the level of tactical intricacies we are used to seeing.<\/p>\n

He certainly deserves his big move. While PSV is a reputable club, the Eredivisie doesn\u2019t offer the level of quality for Dumfries to develop any further. These days, the top players rarely stay in the Netherlands for very long.<\/p>\n

Denzel Dumfries would be a quality signing for almost any big club. He has the attributes to be a top class fullback, but can also operate to a functional degree all over the pitch. His future is certainly bright. The real question is this: where will it take place?<\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>