Denzel Dumfries urges Netherlands to shore up defence before Serbia | OneFootball

Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries, 28, has challenged the Netherlands to cut out concessions as they prepare for Serbia, saying the focus is a first clean sheet of 2026 despite an unbeaten run under head coach Xavi.

Goal.com notes the growing emphasis on resilience. The Oranje have not kept a clean sheet in 11 matches this year and recently fought back from two down to draw with Greece. They are second in their Nations League group with one win and two draws.

"That is a nice challenge for the team. We want to change things and concede fewer goals," Dumfries said. "It is not a problem, but it is, of course, an issue. When you look at the defenders we have, you shouldn't be conceding so many goals. That is a point of attention we are working on to improve."

He also questioned the extended international window, saying the break is too long and that he preferred the previous setup. He added that they have to respect the schedule despite being away from their clubs for quite a long time.

Serbia are next at the Philips Stadion, a physical test that will examine the Dutch in the air and at set pieces. For Dumfries and the back four, it is a chance to prove they can finally claim a clean sheet and keep their push for the knockout stages on track.

Source: Goal.com

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