For the second major international tournament in a row, Denzel Dumfries is delivering for the Netherlands on the big stage. 

The right wing-back was the key player when the Dutch beat the United States 3-1 in their World Cup last-16 clash, scoring once and assisting the other two goals. 

After his impressive performances at Euro 2020 last summer, Dumfries was rewarded with a move to Serie A giants Inter Milan. Now his displays in Qatar are attracting the attention of some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. 

With Dumfries set to feature in the Oranje’s quarter-final clash with Argentina, we have taken a look at what the future might hold for the 26-year-old. 

Euros success

Dumfries made his debut for the Dutch in 2018 — shortly after signing for PSV Eindhoven from Heerenveen. 

Despite impressing in the 2019 Nations League semi-final victory against England, he drew criticism for his performance in a 1-0 defeat to Portugal in the final. 

Dumfries then lost his place in the team for the best part of a year before regaining his spot and being selected for Euro 2020.

The decision by then boss Frank de Boer to play 3-5-2 was a controversial one back home but it suited Dumfries perfectly, giving him license to attack from a wing-back position.

He scored in both of the Netherlands’ opening two games at the tournament and though they were beaten by Czech Republic in the last 16, Dumfries had made a sufficient impression to secure a move from the Eredivisie. 

It was Inter who signed the Rotterdam native for a very reasonable fee of around £12million, which now appears a bargain, with the Nerazzurri set to make a big profit should they sell in 2023.

USA boost

Though De Boer left his position after Euro 2020 and was replaced by Louis van Gaal, the Netherlands have persisted with a formation that utilises wing-backs. 

In the group stage in Qatar, Dumfries was a solid presence in a team that kept two clean sheets but it was not until the game against USA in the knockout stages that he exploded into life from an attacking perspective. 

Dumfries twice found himself in space on the right in the first half and pulled the ball back for oncoming team-mates to convert.

After the break, it was the turn of Dumfries to score when he was left completely unmarked at the back post and volleyed home with his left foot.

That performance was a reminder of what the Dutch No22 is capable of going forward and has intensified talk of a transfer. 

Yet it should be remembered that Dumfries was linked with a move before the tournament started, with Inter seemingly reportedly happy to let him go. 

The 41-cap international has not been particularly productive for Simone Inzaghi's men this season and now the club look set to benefit from an increased fee. 

Premier League interest

From 15 Serie A appearances this season, Dumfries has the same goalscoring return as he managed against the USA.

That is despite the fact that Inter are finding the net freely, with the San Siro outfit the second top scorers in the Italian top flight with 34 goals from their 15 games. 

At a time when the club have financial issues, you can understand why they are willing to sacrifice their No2.

Though there might be questions regarding his club form, there seems no shortage of interest in Dumfries from the Premier League. 

Tottenham badly need to strengthen their options at right wing-back and were linked with a move for the Dutch ace prior to the World Cup. 

Manchester United and Chelsea are also said to be potential suitors, with the Blues reportedly now favourites to clinch the deal. 

Late developer

With Dumfries' value skyrocketing, a willing buyer may fall into the trap of tabling an inflated bid.

Standout performances at big tournaments catch the eye but club form is normally a more reliable indicator of future success. 

In Dumfries' case, it should be taken into account that even in his mid-20s, he could still be developing. 

He did not sign with a professional club until he was 18 when he secured a contract with Sparta Rotterdam. 

Subsequent moves to Heerenveen, PSV and Inter have seen the defender learning on the job. Dumfries is not a natural talent, but rather a player that has had to work incredibly hard to keep progressing. 

Dumfries sums up his journey himself: "You have to look up, not down.

"What can I achieve, what is my potential and how am I going to get there? I knew exactly what I had to do to take certain steps."

A starring role in a quarter-final win over Lionel Messi and Co would surely take Dumfries' reputation to an exciting next level.