Inter Milan’s New Arrival in Focus: Mister One-Nil, European Stage Specialist, and a Long-Standing Nerazzurri Connection

On the final day of the transfer window, Inter Milan made a swift move, securing the services of Ajax midfielder and Dutch international Davy Klaassen. The deal happened so quickly that it caught many by surprise, with some critics questioning the decision to bring in a player perceived as a veteran. However, a closer look at Klaassen reveals that he is far from past his prime—he was born in 1993, not 1973 as some might joke based on his mature appearance. Klaassen is actually in his footballing prime, and with an annual net salary of €1.7 million on a one-year contract with an option for another, he represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward acquisition for Inter.

But why did Inter target Klaassen, especially when his arrival seemed to overlap with existing squad members like Stefano Sensi? The answer came almost immediately: Sensi, after playing a mere eight minutes across the first two rounds of the season (excluding stoppage time), was sidelined again due to "muscle fatigue." While no one denies Sensi's usefulness when fit, his recurring injuries have made it difficult for any coach to rely on him fully. Klaassen’s arrival thus appears more justified—Inter needed a dependable option in the midfield, someone who could step in when the likes of Sensi inevitably face time on the sidelines.

Behind the Scenes of Klaassen’s Transfer

Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio and Luca Marchetti provided insights into the background of Klaassen’s transfer. On the final day of the transfer window, Inter was considering two options: one was to sign a player capable of playing centrally in a three-man midfield, with Maxime Lopez being the frontrunner. The other was to bring in a midfielder who could operate both centrally and on the flanks, with Tanguy Ndombele as the primary target. However, when Klaassen’s agent informed Inter that Ajax would allow the player to leave without a transfer fee, and Simone Inzaghi evaluated Klaassen’s ability to contribute both centrally and on the wings, the decision was made to pursue the Dutchman, leaving Lopez and Ndombele out of the picture.

Klaassen himself is versatile, but he has a preference. "I’m more accustomed to playing centrally," he said, "but I’m a well-rounded player who wants to help the team in both attack and defense." This versatility makes him a valuable asset for Inzaghi, who can deploy him in multiple roles depending on the tactical needs of the team.

Three Key Aspects of Klaassen’s Game

Various media outlets have delved into Klaassen’s background, highlighting three main points. First, he has earned the nickname “Mister One-Nil” due to his knack for scoring the opening goal in matches. Klaassen may not be the most physically imposing or the fastest player on the pitch—traits that led some Premier League fans to label him a flop during his stint at Everton—but he excels in other areas. His finishing ability is top-notch, and he reads the game exceptionally well, reminiscent of Julio Cruz’s ability to make an impact immediately after coming off the bench. Klaassen is a multifaceted attacker, capable of scoring with his head, either foot, and from various distances, making him a potent weapon in tight, structured matches.

The statistics back up his reputation: as of January 2023, OPTA reported that Klaassen had scored the first goal in 25 Eredivisie matches. If we include European competitions and international fixtures, this number has nearly doubled. His ability to break the deadlock in games has earned him the “Mister One-Nil” moniker, a title he wears with pride. “I’ve scored many goals in my career,” Klaassen said. “I don’t know if it’s just coincidence, but I’m often the one who scores the first goal. I’m proud of that nickname!”

The second key point about Klaassen is his impressive record on the European stage. While the Eredivisie allows players to rack up stats, Klaassen has consistently performed in the more demanding environments of European competitions. During his time in the Bundesliga, he managed 12 goals and 11 assists in 5,991 minutes, averaging a goal involvement every 260.5 minutes. His time in the Premier League was less fruitful, but it’s in European competitions (UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and qualifying rounds) where Klaassen truly shines. With 16 goals and 9 assists in 5,890 minutes, he averages a goal involvement every 235.6 minutes—a remarkable rate for a midfielder.

Klaassen’s contributions in key European matches underscore his ability to perform under pressure. He has scored or assisted against top teams like Paris Saint-Germain (November 2014), Borussia Dortmund (November 2021), Sporting Lisbon (December 2021), Napoli (October 2022), and Roma (April 2021), among others. His impact on the international stage has been similarly significant, with goals against high-caliber teams like Spain and Belgium. For Inter, a club with aspirations of deep runs in European competitions, Klaassen’s experience and track record could prove invaluable.

The third and final point of note is the long-standing connection between Klaassen and Inter Milan, which dates back 12 years. Despite a career that has seen him collect some domestic silverware in the Netherlands, Klaassen’s resume lacks a major European title—something he is evidently eager to rectify. He has come close twice, but both times fell short in the final. The first was the 2017 UEFA Europa League final, where his Ajax side lost to Manchester United. The second was in the 2011-12 UEFA Youth League, where Ajax defeated Barcelona 3-0 in the semifinals and Liverpool 6-0 in the quarterfinals, only to draw 1-1 with Inter in the final and lose in a penalty shootout. Klaassen, who was just breaking into Ajax’s first team at the time, scored five goals in the tournament, including one in the shootout, but it wasn’t enough to secure the trophy.

Now, fate has brought Klaassen back to Inter, a club that left a mark on him all those years ago. While many of the players who won that Youth League final for Inter—such as Lorenzo Crisetig, Daniel Bessa, Marko Livaja, and Samuele Longo—have since faded into obscurity, Klaassen, a member of the losing team, has risen through the ranks to become a key figure at Inter. His journey has come full circle, and now he arrives at Inter not just to play, but to win.

Klaassen’s move to Inter is not motivated by money or a long-term contract; it’s driven by his ambition and hunger for silverware. This is a player who has tasted the bitterness of defeat in finals and is determined to write a new chapter in his career—one filled with trophies and success. "I’m here," Klaassen declared, "because I want to win a lot of trophies!"

For Inter Milan, Klaassen’s arrival is more than just the addition of another midfielder; it’s the acquisition of a player with a winning mentality, a proven track record on the European stage, and a deep-rooted connection to the club that has come full circle.