Spanish goalkeeper backs Denzel Dumfries to succeed at Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid are set to go into the next season with a significantly strengthened defense, as they have already signed three new defenders in this summer transfer window, i.e., Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, and Denzel Dumfries, while the addition of another center-back is reportedly also in the works.

The signing of the former two players has already been officially announced by the Merengue club, while the release clause for the Dutch fullback is set to be paid in July.

All of these three are quite experienced players, and are not expected to have any problems adapting to their new club. However, there are still some concerns about Dumfries, as he has played mostly as a wing-back in a five-man defense, and it remains to be seen if he would still be as successful and effective when playing in a four-man backline.

Despite these concerns, the only Spanish player who has played with the Dutchman at Inter Milan, the goalkeeper Josep Martinez, had no doubts that he would be very good addition to Real Madrid. Appearing in an interview with Diario AS, the goalie was clear that this is going to be a good transfer:

“Yes. I think he’s a great signing for Madrid. I think it’s an excellent choice, although I’m sorry to see him leave because he’s a tremendous footballer, the kind you always want on your team. He gives everything on the pitch and will add a new dimension of quality to Real Madrid’s right flank, not only because of his power, speed and attacking threat, but also because of his experience and leadership, as he has been one of the leaders of the group at Inter.

Martinez was also clear that playing in four-man defense would not be a problem for Dumfries:

“That’s true. He has performed exceptionally well in that system over the last few years, and I think it’s ideal for him because of his constant runs up and down the wing. But I don’t think playing in a back four will be a problem for him because he’s an intelligent, versatile footballer who knows how to adapt to different situations. I’m sure Mourinho already has a clear idea of his role, and he’ll carry it out perfectly.”

The goalkeeper also spoke highly of the Dutchman’s defensive skills:

“He’s already shown that, both in Italy and in Europe. Last season we reached the Champions League final after eliminating teams like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and his defensive performances against top-level wingers were outstanding. It’s true that his greatest strength is going forward, but he’s also good defensively and usually wins a lot of duels. Lately, his primary task has been to push forward, but if he needs to sit a little deeper, he’ll do that exceptionally well too.”

Overall, the Spaniard believed the fullback would bring in several desirable qualities to his new team:

“Presence, energy and experience. He’s ready to perform at the highest level from day one. I think he’s going to bring a lot to Madrid’s right side. His profile is somewhat similar to the best version of Mendy because of his constant up-and-down movement and the fact that he’s difficult to beat defensively.”

Martinez had also played with another new signing of Real Madrid, Ibrahima Konate, during his time at RB Leipzig, and also believed he would be a good addition to the Merengue side:

“At that time he was very young, but he was so good that Liverpool did not hesitate to sign him. He is, without any doubt, one of the best in the world in his position. He has already shown in England and with his national team what he is capable of. I see him as another luxury signing for Madrid to strengthen a defensive line that has had problems lately. Both he and Dumfries will provide top-level support to complement what they already have in the squad.”

There are surely some reassuring words for Josep Martinez, as he backed Denzel Dumfries to succeed at Real Madrid. Hopefully, his words would come true right from the start of the new season, and Jose Mourinho would be able to get the best out of him.