Denzel Dumfries responds to Chelsea rumours as Inter Milan ace gets goal and two assists in man-of-the-match performance for Netherlands in World Cup last-16 victory over USA

Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries has responded to rumours of a possible switch to Chelsea in January.

The versatile Inter Milan star put in a man-of-the-match performance in the Netherlands’ 3-1 win over the USA on Saturday, to set up a mouth-watering quarter final clash with Argentina.

4

Getty

4

Dumfries provided almost identical assists for both Memphis Depay and Daley Blind in the first half before adding a goal of his own nine-minutes from time.

The 26-year-old joined Inter from PSV Eindhoven for just £12million in 2021 after impressing during Euro 2020 and has gone on to make 65 appearances for the Nerazzurri, scoring seven goals.

Chelsea have been one of the clubs tracking the Dutchman and when quizzed on links with a move to west London, Dumfries admitted he was flattered by the links.

“Of course it’s a big compliment to be linked with Chelsea, but playing for Inter it’s a big compliment too,” Dumfries told The Athletic.

“Chelsea move in January? I’m focused on nothing else but the national team and Inter.”

Dumfries’ versatility makes him a key player at both international and club level. He can play at either right-back or as a right-sided midfielder and has even filled in at centre-back on occasions.

Getty

4

Capped 40 times by the Netherlands, Dumfries carries an attacking threat and has two goals and three assists for a below-par Inter side this season.

He has been an ever-present for Simone Inzaghi in Serie A and has featured in five out of Inter’s six Champions League matches.

@theeuropeanlad

4

The same can be said for the Netherlands with boss Louis van Gaal regularly putting his faith in the gifted right-back.

And the love-in from his boss continued on Saturday when Dumfries was given a kiss from the former Manchester United boss after his heroics against the USA.

“Yesterday or the day before yesterday I gave him a big, fat kiss and I’m going to give him another big, fat kiss,” said Van Gaal before leaning over and giving Dumfries a peck on the cheek.