Why Denzel Dumfries will be Inter’s most important player against Barcelona in the Champions League

Inter face a very difficult test later tonight as they take on Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-finals clash. Barcelona have, as per most people, been the best side in the world this season and it will take something big from Inter to beat them in Spain today.

One man who will be crucial in this pursuit is Denzel Dumfries. The Dutchman is expected to start today after having missed action over the last month through a hamstring injury. Starting in the right wing-back role, Dumfries will immediately have to be at his best if Inter are to win today.

From an attacking point of view, Dumfries is the one who provides the width from out wide on the right. He will be making the runs from deeper than Lautaro Martinez or Marcus Thuram, which gives him a better chance of beating Barca’s notorious offside trap. Another thing to note is that he will be playing directly against Gerard Martin, who most teams have identified as the weak link in the Barcelona backline.

Defensively too, he has a key role. Directly against him, will be Raphinha. The Brazilian is the Ballon D’or favourite and has been the player of the competition so far this season. If Dumfries and Yann Aurel Bisseck do not keep him in close watch, he could wreck havoc against Inter.

Kaulik Mitra | GIFN