From Underdog to Top Fullback Contender

Denzel Dumfries has received widespread praise from pundits thanks to his incredible performances for Inter Milan in the 2024-25 season. The Dutchman put on some amazing showings in the Champions League, helping to fire his team into the final.

We’re living in a golden age for fullbacks, and picking the best is hard. However, Dumfries now has to be up there with the top stars in the business.

Dumfries Pivotal to Inter’s Champions League Success

Inter Milan made it to the finals of the Champions League this term as a significant underdog in many of their matchups, including the ultimate game. Indeed, in the Champions League final odds, they could be backed at 11/5 to win the game in normal time.

In the lead-up to the game at the Allianz Arena, the PSG vs Inter odds had the Italian side as underdogs at 13/10 to lift the trophy. It was a similar situation in many of  Simone Inzaghi’s side’s other matches, especially the semi-final tie against Barcelona.

Barcelona were heavily tipped to brush Inter aside and make it to the final, but Dumfries’ heroics helped Inter through. The 29-year-old was unstoppable in the first leg at the Olympic Stadium, bagging two vital away goals. He followed this up with two assists at the San Siro, showcasing his amazing stamina and attacking prowess. He was easily one of the standout players in a semi-final clash for the ages.

Dumfries’s individual brilliance was enough to defy the odds on many occasions this term, and he proved to be a great wildcard for Inzaghi. This helped elevate him into the conversation for best fullback in the world and earned him a lot of interest from huge clubs in the transfer window.

How Does Dumfries Stack Up Against the Best in the Business?

Now that Dumfries has various trophies under his belt, he has to be considered among the greatest in the game. Numerous other stars are vying to be regarded as the best fullback in the world, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold,  João Cancelo, and Reece James all in the conversation.

Dumfries may not be as technically refined as players like Cancelo or as defensively solid as James, but he is an all-rounder with world-class attacking ability. Along with chipping in with goals and assists, he has also proven to be great at contributing to all phases of play. He can also provide an aerial threat in set pieces while maintaining excellent positional discipline.

Many modern fullbacks tend to lean towards either being heavily attacking or defensive. Dumfries has shown that he can adapt to different situations and excel at both when needed.

Dumfries didn’t arrive at Inter as a marquee name. Since signing from PSV Eindhoven in 2021, he’s climbed the ranks through sheer hard work. This season, he has risen to new heights. There’s no doubt that he deserves his place when it comes to considering the best fullbacks in the game.

Sports content writer for World in Sport