Defence has never been an area of concern for Milan since ages. From Paolo Maldini to Baresi to Alessandro Nesta to Costacurta Milan had the best defence in Europe often to the envy of other clubs. Recent history however suggests Milan are nowhere near the level of their legends. With romagnoli leading the revolution and Milan signing an able deputy in Theo Hernandez the Right back position has been a cause for concern.
In the last few Abate has proved himself a faithful servant to the club and was the last memeber of the title winning team in A.C.Milan. Milan brought in Andrea Conti for €24M but 2 cruciate ligament injuries in the space of a year damaged a promising career. Milan found respite in Academy graduate Calabria who under Gattuso prospered but inconsistencies caught up and now Milan are once again in the market for a new Right back.
Recent rumours have suggested Milan are planning to use Ricardo Rodriguez as a negotiation pawn in a deal for PSV Right Denzel Dumfries. However a few Milan are familiar with Dumfries, so here is a 360° analysis on Dumfries.
Player Profile
Club: PSV Eindhowen
Age: 24
Nationality:Dutch
Foot: Right
Early Playing Days
Dumfries was first spotted by Heerenveen when he was a vital cog in his boyhood club in the Eerste Division title campaign. 2 seasons after he was signed up by PSV and was named in the Eredivisie Team of the season along with more notable named like De Ligt and Frenkie De Jong.
Positioning
Dumfries is a product of the modern attacking philosophy where he functions as an attack- minded Right back. He functions in the wide areas of the pitch. This helps to draw out the opposing teams left back out of position there create a temporary space between left back and left centre back for PSV’s attackers to exploit
He always like stay in the channel and does not cut inside from the wide areas unless he is demanded by an emergency situation in defence such as the Right centre back getting pulled out of position and is beaten.
His operation in the wide areas helps him to run into space as seen in the example below where attackers Malen and Doan move inside to create a narrow defensive line which gives space for Dumfries to run inside the box.
An close inspection of his pass radar suggests he passes more backwards but this is because of his advanced role and hence he is in more danger of getting blocked or tackled than other defenders. When he is on the ball he would try to cross the ball to midfielders or attackers who are more in a central position.
Defensive Ability
Dumfries is has a very imposing frame. He is 6ft2 inches and 176lbs which helps him win a lot of duels in the right channel. With his physique he is able to expand his frame and thus limit the opposing players passing lanes and time and therefore with his quick press Dumfries is able to win the ball back.
However with a advanced position and agressive pressing he leaves a lot of space behind him which makes PSV susceptible to quick counter attacks. The solutions for these are of 2 types which involves Dumfries tracking back and covering the space or the Right centre back adjusting his position to prevent quick counter by closing down the space.
Attacking Play
If Dumfries is given the license to play such an advanced position leaving behind the gap behind it is because Dumfries yields more in attack than in defence. He averages 1.2 key passes per 90 minutes and a median if 41% success in his crosses so far.
An illustration of his attack- minded can be demonstrated in a particular scenario in this match where PSV winger Bergwijn pulls opposing left back out of position creating a gap between LCB and LB and Dumfries puts PSV’s inside forward through on goal.
When inside the box, Dumfries however likes to cut inside before taking his shot. He also has a very high shot %. He has made a total 8 shots on target so far inside the D-box. With his tall frame Dumfries also has the uncanny knack of scoring headers which is rare for full backs
Weakness
Being an attack minded defender with advanced position on the field, Dumfries often has poor spatial awarenesd that he leaves behind which makes his team vulnerable to counters.
He also attempts too much dribbles instead of passing to opponents and losses posession quite easily.
Concluding remarks
Rangnick in Leipizg has used Klosterman, a right back very similar to Dumfries as his make shift Right back. With a tall physical frame and pace, and agressive pressing traits he seems to be tailor made for Rangnick. With Milan attempting to sign him since December it remains to be seen whether the deal will unlock and Milan will have the solution to their right back problems
Stats For The Season
YouTube Link: Denzel Dumfries Skills
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