Inter Milan’s Surprise “Best 12th Man” Candidate: Augusto’s Stunning Rise and Potential Sixfold Value Increase

Inter Milan is set to face Udinese tonight. Despite AC Milan's recent victory ruling out the possibility of Inter mathematically securing the league title within the next two rounds, Simone Inzaghi remains steadfast: the team will not slow down until the trophy is practically in the bag, pushing hard in their final sprint. Bastoni and de Vrij have not traveled with the squad due to minor injuries, but Inzaghi sees no need to take risks. There is no concern about having a suitable replacement because Augusto, Inter’s “top defensive talisman,” is ready to step in.

How did Augusto earn this “top” designation? The statistics tell the story. Augusto has appeared in 29 Serie A matches this season, starting 9 and coming off the bench 20 times. During his 1,220 minutes on the pitch, Inter has conceded only 2 goals—an average of one goal every 610 minutes. In the 1,480 minutes he hasn’t played, Inter has conceded 12 goals, averaging a goal every 123.3 minutes. While some other factors might contribute to this phenomenon (such as Augusto playing in matches where the opponents had already given up), the stark difference highlights that Augusto is an exceptional choice to strengthen Inter's defense. In football, the adage “defense wins championships” holds true.

This season, if Inter were to choose their "Best 12th Man," who would be the frontrunner? It’s clearly not players like Arnautovic or those like Bisseck, Asllani, and Frattesi, who have only played 500-600 minutes in the league after 30 rounds—their playing time is simply too low. The media lists three main candidates: Darmian, de Vrij, and Augusto. So far, 14 Inter players have logged over 1,800 minutes across all competitions, including these three, whose initial roles were not as guaranteed starters. While it’s not surprising to see two veterans earning substantial playing time, the significant contribution of 25-year-old Brazilian Augusto in his first season at Inter is indeed a pleasant surprise.

Another point of interest: which Inter player has seen the greatest increase in market value over the past year? It’s not Lautaro or Barella, whose initial values are high, so a rise of 10-20 million euros isn’t exceptionally notable. The top contenders are Thuram, Bisseck, and Augusto. A year ago, Augusto’s estimated value on Transfermarkt was a mere 4.5 million euros. Today, it’s 20 million euros—more than quadrupled. Italian media speculate that Augusto's value could continue to rise, potentially increasing sixfold over two years.

La Gazzetta dello Sport recently featured Augusto under the headline "Joined as 'Deputy Dimarco,' but Became a Versatile Star." Early in his Inter career, some highlight enthusiasts touted Augusto as an attacking powerhouse, citing his 6 goals and 5 assists in Serie A last season. However, respected figures like Bergomi and Brazilian national team coaches pointed out that Inter had acquired a player stronger in defense and execution than creativity. Brazilian media like Globo Esporte and Lance! have always described him with terms like “rock” or “ironclad defender,” never as a “winger” or “attacking threat.”

At 25, Augusto has made significant progress since joining Inter. Some might question this, noting a decline in his average dribbles, tackles, and goal involvements compared to last season. However, his improvement lies in his defensive reliability. Last season, he was dribbled past an average of 0.6 times per 90 minutes in Serie A. This season, that number has dropped to 0.2. In other words, he has transitioned from being a high-energy player with high risks and rewards to a more consistent and dependable defender. For a defensive player, stability is far more valuable than occasional brilliance.

Augusto’s importance to Inter extends beyond his on-field performances. In Italian football and sports science, it is generally believed that players reach their peak maturity between the ages of 26 and 27. Icons like Baggio, Pirlo, and Iniesta all reached their career peaks at this age. Thus, Italian media often categorize players under 25 as “young,” those between 26 and 29 as “mid-career,” and those 30 and older as “veterans,” though this varies by position (goalkeepers are evaluated differently, for example). Among the 14 Inter players who have played over 1,800 minutes this season, the 25-year-old Augusto is the second youngest, just a few months older than Bastoni. He is one of the few core players still in his developmental phase.

Inter hopes to see Augusto continue his impressive progress, playing an even more significant role and increasing his market value rapidly. Augusto was already on a fast track to increased value, having been called up to the Brazilian national team last December and starting twice. His chances of making Brazil’s squad for this summer’s Copa America were high. However, a mid-March injury caused him to miss Brazil’s final pre-Copa America training camp, complicating matters.

Given this context, Augusto now finds himself with a crucial opportunity due to injuries in Inter’s defense. Performing well for his club and helping secure the Serie A title could further solidify his international standing. Inter, of course, would be delighted to see their player’s value soar. Who wouldn’t want their assets to appreciate rapidly?

This season, Augusto’s rise from a relatively obscure signing to a crucial part of Inter’s defensive lineup exemplifies the club’s smart recruitment and strategic planning. His ability to stabilize the defense and contribute reliably has made him a fan favorite and an essential player for Inzaghi. The journey from being a “deputy” to a versatile star in such a short time is a testament to his hard work, adaptability, and the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.

As Inter Milan continues its push for the Serie A title, Augusto’s contributions will be vital. His presence on the pitch brings a level of defensive security that could prove decisive in the season’s final stages. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, not just to see if Inter can secure the championship, but to witness the ongoing evolution of Augusto—a player whose value and reputation are on a rapid upward trajectory.