The Netherlands dominated Sweden in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup match, and Denzel Dumfries was instrumental after agreeing to sign for Real Madrid over joining Liverpool
19:30, 20 Jun 2026Updated 20:01, 20 Jun 2026
Denzel Dumfries shone for the Netherlands against Sweden(Image: 2024 Soccrates Images B.V.)
New Real Madrid signing Denzel Dumfries claimed two assists in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup game between the Netherlands and Sweden, also setting up Liverpool star Cody Gakpo, who could have become his club teammate.
Liverpool was linked with signing Dumfries after it became clear that the Inter Milan defender had a $23 million release clause. However, Real Madrid pounced first and signed Dumfries to a four-year contract starting from this summer.
Madrid has also signed Ibrahima Konate after he left Liverpool at the end of his contract, 12 months after turning Trent Alexander-Arnold’s head. Liverpool already has a Dutch full-back, Jeremie Frimpong, but may regret not moving more quickly to sign Dumfries after his talents were displayed to the world.
The Netherlands took a 4-0 lead over Sweden until Anthony Elanga pulled one back for the Scandinavian side. Crysencio Summerville then settled the score at 5-1. Brian Brobbey of Sunderland scored the opening two goals, one of which was assisted by Dumfries, the other by Gakpo.
Gakpo then put a disappointing season behind him as he scored a second-half brace, with Liverpool players thriving at the World Cup. Virgil van Dijk scored in the Netherlands’ opening 2-2 draw against Japan, and Ryan Gravenberch also starred with two assists.
Liverpool has gone from having one of the best defensive units in the world to forming a questionable back line. Alexander-Arnold was the first member to depart, forcing Liverpool to sign Jeremie Frimpong and rely on Conor Bradley.
Dumfries had been linked with Liverpool since January(Image: Getty Images)
However, Bradley suffered a serious injury last season, and Frimpong struggled to maintain fitness and had an inconsistent season. On the opposite flank, Andy Robertson is no longer at his peak and has joined Tottenham Hotspur after his contract expired.
Liverpool signed Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth last season, and while he showed signs of quality, it was another underwhelming debut campaign. Things have also become complicated in the center-back role after Konate flirted with an extension before leaving on a free.
Dumfries had been linked with Liverpool for some time, and like Gakpo, he often stars for the Netherlands at international tournaments. Liverpool often signs younger talents, and Dumfries’ age may have put the club off from triggering his release clause.
Liverpool already has a large contingent of Dutch players(Image: (Photo by Sonny Lensen / ANP / AFP via Getty Images))
The Dutch defender is 30, but proved on Saturday that he is at the peak of his career and will now look to help Madrid improve over the next four years. With Liverpool needing some defensive stability, it feels like a missed opportunity at a bargain price.
It’s set to be a huge season for Liverpool in 2026-27, with yet more changes for the players to adapt to. Arne Slot was relieved of his head coaching duties, and Liverpool hired Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.
Mohamed Salah has also departed Liverpool, meaning that three senior players are no longer on the roster, and the remaining players have a new head coach to impress. Iraola will also bring a new style of play, after Slot’s tactics appeared to frustrate fans last season.
However, Alexander Isak has looked positive for Sweden at the World Cup after an injury-ridden season. With fellow striker Hugo Ekitike expected to be out until 2027, his form will be essential for Liverpool next season.