Pavard's Potential Exit for 2024: Inter's Crisis Highlights the Hidden Value of Their "Swiss Army Knife"

Inter Milan’s defensive stalwart Benjamin Pavard has suffered a significant setback. After undergoing medical examinations at the renowned Humanitas Clinic under the supervision of Dr. Gianluca Lozano, the club has confirmed that the French international has sustained a left thigh biceps femoris injury. While Inter announced that Pavard's condition would be re-evaluated next week, early projections from Sky Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport paint a grim picture: Pavard’s return before the end of 2024 appears highly unlikely. In fact, fans may have to wait until early 2025 to see him back on the pitch.

This development is a considerable blow for Inter Milan, as Pavard has been a pillar of their defensive structure. The early stages of the season saw him endure some inconsistencies, with Inter conceding more goals than expected, leading to criticism from the media and fans. However, as the season progressed, Pavard’s form stabilized, and the team’s defensive performances improved significantly. In their last nine matches across domestic and European competitions, Inter kept seven clean sheets—a testament to Pavard’s influence.

Statistically, Pavard has been Inter’s defensive leader. He averages 1.88 tackles, 1.18 interceptions, and 3.06 combined defensive actions (tackles + interceptions) per 90 minutes—ranking first among Inter players with more than 90 minutes of game time. His absence will undoubtedly leave a void in Simone Inzaghi’s backline. Now, the question arises: who will step up to fill the gap left by Pavard’s injury?

Inzaghi's Three Alternatives to Replace Pavard

Italian media outlets have explored three possible solutions for Simone Inzaghi to navigate this crisis, each with its own tactical implications and challenges.

1. Promoting Yann Aurel Bisseck

The most straightforward solution is to elevate Yann Aurel Bisseck into Pavard’s role. The young German defender has seen his importance within the squad grow substantially this season. Comparing the minutes played between Pavard and Bisseck offers a clear illustration of this shift. Last season, Pavard accumulated 2,363 minutes across all competitions, while Bisseck managed only 1,166 minutes—a gap of nearly double.

This season, the disparity has significantly narrowed. Pavard has logged 1,078 minutes across competitions, while Bisseck is close behind with 792 minutes. As La Gazzetta dello Sport aptly put it, “At right center-back, Inter may no longer have a clear distinction between a starter and a backup.” Bisseck’s increased playing time suggests that he is ready to step up, and Inzaghi may lean on him as the primary replacement.

2. Shifting Stefan de Vrij to the Right

Another option involves reshuffling the defensive line, with Stefan de Vrij moving to the right-center-back position. The Dutch international has been one of Inter’s most consistent performers this season, and while he traditionally operates as a central defender, he has experience playing on the right.

During his time with the Dutch national team, De Vrij often featured in a three-man defense, occasionally occupying the right-center-back role. While it may not be his preferred position, his versatility and composure could provide a temporary solution. Alternatively, Inzaghi might opt to keep De Vrij in the central role and shift Francesco Acerbi to the right. Acerbi has more experience as a wide center-back within Inter’s system, and his adaptability could prove valuable in this scenario.

3. Deploying Matteo Darmian: The "Swiss Army Knife"

Perhaps the most intriguing and reliable option is Matteo Darmian—a player affectionately dubbed Inter’s "Swiss Army Knife." Renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Biasin captured the essence of Darmian’s versatility, saying, “Buchanan injured? No problem, Darmian can play right wing-back. Augusto injured? No problem, Darmian can play left wing-back. Pavard injured? No problem, Darmian can play right center-back or even left center-back.”

Darmian’s adaptability has been a cornerstone of Inter’s resilience in a season plagued by injuries across Europe’s top clubs. While Juventus, Barcelona, Manchester United, and RB Leipzig have struggled with injury crises, Inter has managed to avoid a similar fate, thanks in large part to players like Darmian.

Darmian's Tactical Impact

This season, Darmian has featured in four different positions: right center-back, left center-back, right wing-back, and left wing-back. Remarkably, he has often switched positions multiple times within a single match. His versatility has been particularly crucial in high-stakes encounters. Against Manchester City, he played as a right wing-back; against Arsenal, he operated on the left; and against Juventus, he occupied two different defensive roles during the same match.

Darmian’s presence provides Inter with a sense of security, knowing that he can step in wherever needed without compromising the team’s defensive stability. Despite misconceptions among some fans and pundits regarding his physicality and offensive capabilities, Darmian’s statistics tell a different story.

Debunking Myths About Darmian

Critics often claim that Darmian lacks physicality, but the numbers suggest otherwise. Among Inter players with more than 90 minutes of game time, Darmian ranks first in both "tackles attempted" and "successful tackles per game." He is also in the top three for "successful duels," highlighting his defensive prowess.

Others argue that Darmian is defensively solid but offers little going forward. Yet, with one goal and two assists this season, he is the second-most productive wing-back in Inter’s squad, trailing only Federico Dimarco. His contributions in both defense and attack make him a valuable asset in Inzaghi’s tactical setup.

Finally, some critics suggest that Darmian’s individual brilliance does not translate into collective success. This, too, is a misconception. In the 1,620 minutes Inter has played this season, they have conceded just six goals in the 918 minutes Darmian was on the field. In contrast, they have conceded nine goals in the 702 minutes he was absent—a stark difference that underscores his importance to the team’s defensive solidity.

The Unseen Hero

Matteo Darmian’s value extends beyond his versatility. He embodies the timeless football adage: "The best fighters leave no trace; the best healers leave no fame." His ability to fill multiple roles seamlessly, often without fanfare or recognition, has been instrumental in Inter’s success this season.

In a campaign marked by relentless fixtures, injuries, and high-stakes matches, Darmian has quietly been the glue holding Inter’s defense together. His contributions may not always make headlines, but within the walls of the club and among his teammates, his importance is undeniable.

As Inter navigates the remainder of 2024 without Pavard, it is players like Darmian who will be crucial in ensuring the team remains competitive on all fronts. In a season where every player’s role is amplified, the value of having a "Swiss Army Knife" like Darmian cannot be overstated.