Inter Milan’s Defensive Dilemma: De Vrij vs. Acerbi—Who Stays for 2025?

Inter Milan’s stellar run of five consecutive clean sheets in the UEFA Champions League has not gone unnoticed. UEFA has praised the Nerazzurri as possessing one of the most formidable defenses in European football this season. While the official Man of the Match award for their latest victory went to Piotr Zieliński, many Italian media outlets, including La Gazzetta dello Sport, highlighted another standout performer: Stefan de Vrij.

This recognition comes at a crucial juncture for both De Vrij and his defensive partner Francesco Acerbi. Both players’ contracts are set to expire in the summer of 2025, and while each deal includes a one-year extension option, financial constraints and strategic planning may force Inter to renew only one of the two. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, De Vrij's recent performances—particularly in Europe—have positioned him as the frontrunner to secure an extension, leaving Acerbi’s future with the club in doubt.

Why Not Retain Both Veterans?

At first glance, the logical solution might be to retain both De Vrij and Acerbi, given their significant contributions to Inter’s defensive stability. However, the club's management, backed by financial partners such as Oaktree Capital, has emphasized the need for a youthful overhaul in key positions. Inter’s vision for the future involves a blend of experienced leadership and young talent—a strategy aimed at mitigating the risks associated with aging players whose performance may decline unpredictably.

Both Acerbi and De Vrij are nearing the twilight of their careers. Acerbi will be 37 by the start of the next season, while De Vrij will be 33. Although both players have delivered commendable performances this season, Inter is wary of the physical toll and injury risks associated with veteran players. From this perspective, retaining both defenders may be seen as a gamble the club is unwilling to take.

The Evolving Dynamic: From Backup to Contender

At the beginning of the season, Acerbi was firmly established as the first-choice center-back, with De Vrij playing a backup role. Acerbi’s consistent performances since joining Inter in the summer of 2022 had earned him the trust of head coach Simone Inzaghi. In his first 18 months with the club, Acerbi was a model of durability, missing only two matches due to a minor injury in August 2023.

However, the narrative shifted dramatically in 2024. Acerbi has been plagued by a series of injuries, ranging from muscle strains to more severe issues. Since the start of the year, he has suffered five significant injuries, sidelining him for a combined one-third of the season. These injuries include:

• February: Calf strain, sidelined for three weeks.
• May: Groin injury, sidelined for two weeks.
• June: Groin recurrence, causing him to miss the European Championship.
• October: Hamstring strain, sidelined for two weeks.
• November: Another hamstring injury, which has kept him out of action ever since.

While Acerbi has shown resilience by returning from each setback with solid performances, the frequency of his injuries has raised concerns within the club. Inter's management is well aware of the many Serie A veterans whose careers have rapidly declined after a series of injuries—players like Kwadwo Asamoah, Aleksandar Kolarov, and Juan Cuadrado serve as cautionary tales.

De Vrij's Resurgence: A Case for Renewal

In contrast to Acerbi’s injury woes, De Vrij has experienced a resurgence this season, emerging as one of the best-performing defenders in the Champions League. With Acerbi frequently sidelined, De Vrij has logged significant minutes across both Serie A and European competitions.

• Total Minutes Played: De Vrij has accumulated 850 minutes across 18 matches, surpassing Acerbi’s 787 minutes.
• Goals Conceded: Inter has conceded seven goals during De Vrij’s 850 minutes on the pitch, compared to nine goals in Acerbi’s 787 minutes.

De Vrij's impact has been particularly pronounced in the Champions League, where he has been a cornerstone of Inter’s defense. In five Champions League appearances, De Vrij has started four times and played nearly three times as many minutes as Acerbi. His performance in the 3-0 victory over RB Leipzig was especially noteworthy.

• Key Defensive Stats vs. Leipzig:
  • 6 ball recoveries
  • 3 interceptions
  • A crucial sliding tackle in the penalty area to deny Benjamin Sesko a clear scoring opportunity

La Gazzetta dello Sport lauded De Vrij as a "defensive maestro" and described his composure and tactical intelligence as "the work of a defensive artist." His Champions League stats further bolster his case:

• Blocked Shots: Ranks fifth among all players in the competition.
• Aerial Duels Won: Ranks ninth, showcasing his dominance in aerial battles.

De Vrij’s form has not only solidified his place in Inter’s lineup but also earned him praise at the international level, where he has been a key figure for the Dutch national team.

The Inzaghi Factor: A Shared History

One factor that could influence Inter's decision is the personal relationship both defenders share with head coach Simone Inzaghi. Acerbi and De Vrij were both integral parts of Inzaghi’s Lazio squad, and their familiarity with his tactical system has been a significant asset for Inter.

However, recent reports suggest that De Vrij’s performances have rekindled a special connection with Inzaghi. Following the victory over RB Leipzig, Inzaghi and De Vrij shared an emotional embrace—a moment La Gazzetta dello Sport interpreted as symbolic of their shared quest for redemption. Both men were part of the Lazio team that suffered a painful defeat to Marco Rose’s Red Bull Salzburg in 2018, and their victory over Leipzig was a long-awaited triumph.

The Road Ahead: A Battle for Survival

As Inter looks ahead to the remainder of the season, the competition between Acerbi and De Vrij will be one of the most intriguing storylines. Both players understand that their future at the club is at stake, and every performance will be scrutinized by management.

Acerbi’s advocates point to his leadership, experience, and past reliability as reasons to retain him. However, De Vrij’s current form, fitness, and contributions in high-stakes matches have given him the edge in the eyes of many within the club.

Inter’s decision will ultimately reflect their broader strategy: balancing experience with youth, mitigating risk, and preparing for the future. For now, De Vrij appears to be winning the race, but with several months remaining in the season, the outcome is far from certain. As the saying goes in football, "form is temporary, but class is permanent"—and both defenders will be eager to prove they possess the latter.