Denzel Dumfries Dominates Haaland: An Inter Milan Masterclass and a Lesson Argentina Taught Us
7 October 2025
Surprise in the Ballon d’Or rankings
Dutch right-back Denzel Dumfries, star of Inter Milan, expressed astonishment after discovering he finished ahead of Norwegian striker Erling Haaland in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings. He said his achievements with the Nerazzurri over the past seasons justify pride in his career and fuel his continued pursuit of excellence.
Speaking to Football Italia, he credited coach Alex Pastoor for a simple mindset: enjoy the moment, stay aware of your current place, and be proud of what you have accomplished. The message is clear: stay grounded even when the spotlight shines bright.
Maintaining perspective, Dumfries noted that setbacks can sting, but they fit into a bigger picture. He reminded fans that a brutal five‑nil defeat in the Champions League final to Paris Saint‑Germain remains a part of a larger, impressive journey for Inter and his own growth.
With a smile that blends pride and sadness, he recalled the heartbreak of that final, yet underscored that reaching two Champions League finals in three years is a remarkable achievement in its own right.
"It’s great to be among the top 30 players in the world," he said, adding that finishing ahead of Haaland made the season especially meaningful and gave him a tangible reminder of the work paid off.
On personal development, Dumfries stressed that trophies aren’t the sole measure of progress. It’s about incremental improvements. He argued it’s nearly impossible for a defender to outscore and out‑assist Haaland, but he aims to influence build‑up play and become more impactful in attacking movements.
A calm leader with a strict mindset
He described his leadership style as growing with age: not shy, but unapologetically disciplined. At the top, he asserted, there is no room for relaxation, and his ambition remains to set an example for teammates through consistent professionalism.
Turning personal, he revealed he will turn thirty in April and is now a father. Balancing family life with professional demands, he aspires to be a role model of dedication and balance, proving professionalism can go hand in hand with joy.
When asked about differences with the Netherlands’ football culture, he contrasted it with Argentina’s attitude. Argentina pushes relentlessly to win, while the Netherlands leans toward meticulous organization; Dumfries believes lessons can be learned from both, especially thinking outside the box and fighting to the end.
He even injected a touch of humor about Inter Milan’s approach: the team excels at disrupting attacks at the right moments. If mistakes happen, they aim them to unfold at the opportune time—preferably before the opponent notices. Dutch players, take note of the timing.
Impressive numbers with the Nerazzurri
This season, the Dutchman has been a constant presence for Inter, featuring in eight matches (six in Serie A and two in the Champions League) with two goals—one against Slavia Prague and another against Udinese—having started seven of those appearances.
Since joining Inter, the 187‑cap veteran has contributed 50 goals and assists (24 goals, 26 assists) in 12,158 minutes. His disciplinary record stands at 20 yellow cards and just one red. At PSV Eindhoven, he posted 124 appearances, 16 goals, and 20 assists, establishing himself as one of Europe's rising defensive threats.
Punchlines: Sniper jokes incoming to keep the mood light while we update the leaderboard. 1) If consistency were a weapon, Dumfries just silenced the scoreboard and my weekend plans—guess who’s winning again? 2) In football terms, he’s not just a defender; he’s a plot twist with a perfect assist line.
