Real Madrid announced their fourth summer signing earlier today, confirming that Denzel Dumfries has moved to the Spanish club from Inter Milan.
PSV have paid tribute to Dumfries after the Dutch right-back completed his move to Real Madrid.
In an official club statement, PSV wrote: “Our former captain, a role model, a fan favourite, and now a Real Madrid player. We’re so proud of you, Denzel!”
It is a classy message, and one that says a lot about the respect Dumfries still commands at his former club.
Real Madrid sign character as well as quality
For Real Madrid fans, the most important part of that tribute is not just the emotion. It is the description.
Former captain. Role model. Fan favourite.
Those are not small labels. They point to a player with leadership, professionalism and personality, qualities Jose Mourinho will value as he begins shaping his new Madrid squad.
Dumfries arrives as a proven right-back with experience at PSV, Inter Milan and the Netherlands national team.
Los Blancos are not only getting power and attacking runs from the flank. They are also getting a player used to responsibility.
A Mourinho-type profile
Dumfries looks like a very Mourinho signing in many ways. He is physical, direct, competitive and strong in both boxes.
At 30, he is not a developmental gamble. He is arriving to contribute immediately and bring reliability to a squad that wants to compete on every front.
Dumfries has signed for Real Madrid. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Supporters in Eindhoven clearly remember him fondly, and that usually says something about a player’s attitude.
Real Madrid have signed bigger names this summer, but Dumfries could become one of the most useful additions if Mourinho gives him a defined role.
He is likely to compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold for a starting berth on the right flank, and his defensive solidity could get him the nod ahead of the Englishman.
The bottom line is that Jose has two of the best attacking right-backs in football at his disposal, and only Achraf Hakimi can claim the bragging rights to be better than them in that regard.
Now that this is official, the Bernabeu cannot wait to see Dumfries in action, and it remains to be seen how he gets on.
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