After an impressive campaign with Sparta Rotterdam, Denzel Dumfries is now with Heerenveen and looking to cement his reputation as one of Netherlands most promising full-backs.
- By Michael Bell
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Born in Rotterdam, Dumfries started his career with amateur side Spaartan’20 before moving to VV Smitshoek where he spent eleven years. After a year with Barendrecht Dumfries was picked up by Sparta Rotterdam and halfway through the 2014/15 season he made his first team debut at 18 against FC Emmen. The following season he broke into the Sparta first team permanently and was named the Eerste Divisie talent of the year after helping the club gain promotion to the Eredivisie.
Clubs from England began to show interest in Dumfries, but he remained in Rotterdam and only missed three matches all last season as Sparta staved off relegation to remain in the Eredivisie. Dumfries contributed two crucial assists during the campaign and netted once, whilst also making his debut for Netherlands U21 side.
This summer a move was always on the cards and Heerenveen have swooped to take the 21-year-old to the Abe Lenstra Stadion as a replacement for the departed Stefano Marzo.
Style of play
Dumfries is a strong and powerful right-back who is solid defensively but even more impressive going forward. With pace, excellent dribbling ability and strength, Dumfries is formidable when charging down the wing and is often fouled as opposition struggle to stop him bulldozing down the pitch.
The 21-year-old has all the attributes of a top class right-back in the making but needs to work a little on his distribution which his only weakness at points last season.
What to expect from Dumfries this season
Dumfries will now play at Heerenveen, who have aspirations to finish in the European places. He is definitely an upgrade on the full-backs Heerenveen had last season, and if Dumfries can impress in Friesland it will only further his already growing reputation. A year at the Abe Lenstra stadion may prepare him for a move abroad or to one of the Netherlands top three. Dumfries will also look to cement his place as Netherlands U21’s right-back as their European U21 qualifying campaign begins.