Sneijder backs Dumfries to do well ahead of Real Madrid vs Inter Milan – ‘He has the quality’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid begin their Champions League campaign on Tuesday against Inter Milan, and the fixture carries added significance for one of their summer signings.

Denzel Dumfries will come up against his former club, having joined Real Madrid from Inter earlier in the window after five successful seasons in Italy.

And ahead of the reunion, Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder has backed his compatriot to thrive at the Bernabeu.

Sneijder backs Dumfries to deliver

Speaking to TuttoMercato (h/t Defensa Central), Sneijder, who himself played for both Real Madrid and Inter, insisted Dumfries has the quality to perform even better than he did in Serie A.

Dumfries will have an opportunity to shine vs Inter. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“When Real Madrid calls you, you go. It’s a different club. Denzel has to perform better than at Inter, because Real Madrid is a bigger club.

“There’s a lot of pressure on the team, but he’s got quality. And he has reached a high level thanks to Inter,” he said.

The former midfielder knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the Bernabeu, having won a LaLiga title and a Spanish Super Cup during his two-year spell there.

He later reached the pinnacle of his career at Inter, playing a central role in their 2010 treble.

A crucial game for Dumfries

Dumfries arrives at Real Madrid with an impressive body of work behind him.

Dumfries is competing for places with Trent. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Dutchman made 207 appearances for Inter, scoring 27 goals and providing 28 assists while winning eight trophies, including two Scudetti.

He brings physical power, pace and a genuine attacking threat from full-back, qualities that made him so influential in Italy.

At Real Madrid, however, he faces a different challenge, competing with Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right-back spot in a side expected to dominate matches and challenge for every trophy.

He started three of the opening four league games barring Trent’s strong display against Malaga.

The Champions League opener against Inter now offers Dumfries the chance to make an early statement against his former side, and Sneijder is convinced he has everything required to rise to the occasion.