Van der Meyde calls Inter star ‘one of the most underrated players in the world’ | OneFootball

Former Inter midfielder Andy van der Meyde has advised coach Simone Inzaghi to deploy Denzel Dumfries on the left flank in the Nerazzurri’s Champions League Round of 16 clash against Feyenoord, suggesting that the Netherlands international could help ‘contain’ Hadj Moussa, one of the hosts’ main attacking threats.

The Biscione travel to Rotterdam for a crucial European showdown against a side that already eliminated Milan in the previous round, proving to be a tricky opponent despite grappling with a long list of injuries.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 02: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta at Al Awwal Park on January 02, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Inzaghi also has fitness concerns of his own, with all of his wing-backs ruled out of the match except for Dumfries, whom the former Inter and Ajax star described as ‘one of the most underrated players in the world.’

Van der Meyde: Inter’s Dumfries ‘one of the most underrated players in the world’

“I would play my friend Dumfries on the left,” Van der Meyde told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.

“Moussa tends to cut inside, and Denzel could contain him because he’s used to moving in that direction.

“He’s one of the most underrated players in the world: he often makes the difference for the national team, and at Inter, they’ve held onto him tightly.

“Maybe we Dutch care more about style than you Italians and don’t fully appreciate him, but we should be proud of that fierce look—he always seems like he wants to take a bite out of you.”

epa11845813 Denzel Dumfries of Milan (L) celebrates with teammates before his goal was ruled offside and disallowed during the UEFA Champions League league phase match between Sparta Prague and Inter Milan, in Prague, Czechia, 22 January 2025. EPA-EFE/MARTIN DIVISEK

The 45-year-old also spoke highly of another compatriot, Stefan de Vrij, who will be leading the Nerazzurri’s defence alongside Francesco Acerbi against his former side.

“De Vrij, what a good guy and what a great defender!,” he said.

“And he’s a son of Rotterdam and Feyenoord. Everyone loves him, and I’m sure his heart will be beating a little faster tonight.”