Real Madrid News
Real Madrid World Cup Spotlight: Denzel Dumfries shines for the Netherlands
Real Madrid players have been in excellent form at this World Cup, consistently contributing to their nations’ causes at the tournament.
The latest standout performance came from summer arrival Denzel Dumfries, whose signing has not yet been officially announced, for the Netherlands against Sweden in the Oranje’s 5-1 win.
Central defender Antonio Rudiger also had a crucial role to play for Germany in their comeback 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.
Real Madrid did not have any players feature in either the Ecuador-Curaçao game or the Japan-Tunisia game.
Both games added to the World Cup drama, though, with Curaçao’s keeper keeping out as many as 15 shots on target.
Let us see how the two Los Blancos stars fared for their respective nations last night.
Denzel Dumfries vs Sweden
Dumfries was a star on the night. He produced two assists in a dominant display as the Netherlands put five past Sweden.
🚨 Denzel Dumfries against Sweden:
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) June 20, 2026
• 90 minutes played
• 2 assists
• 5 duels won
• 4 clearances
• 3/3 tackles won
• 3x possession won
• 2 big chances created. pic.twitter.com/sMNlogys1a
He gave the Dutch team the kind of attacking width and crossing threat that made him such an exciting profile for Los Blancos.
Dumfries finished with 0.42 expected assists, completed 28 of his 34 passes, made eight defensive actions, won most of his duels, added three tackles and produced four headed clearances.
Dumfries was not just an attacking outlet. He gave the Netherlands thrust going forward while still doing the defensive work behind the ball.
Jose Mourinho would have loved such a performance from his new signing. This is exactly what he will be hoping Dumfries can give his team next season.
Antonio Rudiger vs Ivory Coast
Rudiger’s outing was quieter, but still valuable. The Real Madrid centre-back started on the bench for Germany before coming on in the second half after a possible injury to Nico Schlotterbeck.
He stayed solid after coming on, ensured Germany did not concede another goal and watched most of the drama unfold up top through Deniz Undav.
If Schlotterbeck is confirmed to be ruled out of the tournament, Rudiger’s importance for Germany will increase manifold.
He looks set to start the rest of the games for Julian Nagelsmann’s team, and Real Madrid will hope that he can continue to impress with his performances.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
