World Cup. Netherlands thanks Dumfries, who ‘showed mental toughness’, and his psychologist

Battered by criticism after the first round of the World Cup, defender Denzel Dumfries has called on a psychologist to bounce back masterfully against the USA in the round of 16 and wait more calmly for the quarter-finals against Argentina.

“It’s true, I could have played better (in the group stage). But I showed mental fortitude. I’m glad I got my revenge“The defender, the author of a goal and two assists in Saturday’s game against the USA (3-1), announced on NOS TV.

Criticized by some former glories on the Flatland, singled out by the Italian media for underwhelming performances in the first three games, the Inter Milan right-back admits he has “doubt“.

So much so that he called his psychologist Anemieke Zijerveld twice via video conference.

And for the first time in the Khalifa Stadium interview area on Saturday, the 26-year-old from Dumfries spoke about this sometimes taboo but increasingly discussed topic among top athletes.

“This is my first time talking about it and it’s nice to do so. I’m transparent about that“, he said in the report of Algemeen Dagblad daily.

“It was mentally difficult after the group stage. I needed to find inner peace, get back to basics. I was able to take revenge. I thank himHe added about someone who has supported him since the start of his professional career at Sparta Rotterdam.

“Being a football player is not always easy. We are at the root of societal problems. We are vulnerable sometimes. (…) Criticism affects us. That’s the under-revealed side (of the job)“, the former PSV player said again.

Van Gaal”proud” by himself

“Surrounded by the right people“Dumfries For Whom”mental flexibility is a fundamental aspectof high-level sports, so he finally appeared at his best against the United States.

The 3-5-2 right winger, dear to coach Louis van Gaal, first provided two assists to Memphis Depay (1-0, 10th) and Daley Blind (2-0, 45th + 1) before firing his team 3 the 1 goal when the Americans reduced the score.

A speech that led him to say that Van Gaal’s tactics were correct.

“In the goals we scored (on Saturday) I assisted Daley (Blind) on the other side (left) and he gave me one. This shows the qualities of our system and we hope it will continue“, he progressed.

With congratulations (and a warm kiss of worldview) his coach, who then said:I’m incredibly proud of my fullbacks.»

As for Depay’s opening goal, it was preceded by a streak of twenty assists, underscoring Holland’s collective strength.

So Argentina has been warned. Dumfries and the Dutch have increased their dominance over the first four matches and it is now a well-oiled machine that awaits Lionel Messi and his team-mates. On firm foundations and, above all, with a liberated spirit.