Comfort, Key To Denzel Dumfries' Slick Game With Holland Under Frank De Boer

JAKARTA - Defender Denzel Dumfries has never played in a back five, but he seems to be enjoying the position he has been given after two outstanding performances for the Dutch national team.

Dumfries became one of the Netherlands' stars at Euro 2020 after scoring the winner against Ukraine in their opener then scoring again as they beat Austria 2-0 to claim top spot in Group C.

"I am happy that I can contribute," he said during a press conference, Saturday, June 19.

"I've just been playing my own game. In a different pattern to what I'm used to, but this system gives me an advantage. I get all the space I need to attack and that makes me feel good."

Netherlands coach Frank de Boer used a 5-3-2 pattern in the first group game and it caused quite a stir in a country which has always followed its traditional 4-3-3 pattern of play.

But the permission given to the 25-year-old to attack from the back right helped justify De Boer's decision.

Dumfries thinks he can do better with Holland against North Macedonia in Amsterdam next Monday, 22 June.

"Being in a better position when I have the ball, for example, so I can get more time. I also want to make more passes. There is still a lot of room for improvement."

Before this competition started, Dumfries gave a signal that he would seek a new experience after seven seasons playing in the Dutch top flight, the last three seasons with PSV Eindhoven.

Speculation arose in the media that there could be a move to an English, German or Italian club, but questions about his future plans he politely dismissed.

"I don't really care about that at the moment. If you don't mind, I'm still completely focused on this tournament," he told reporters.