Inter defender Stefan de Vrij feels that the effect of playing in Serie A has been a positive one, and that he is entering his best period as a player.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, the Dutchman opened up about the development that his career has undergone since moving to Italy.

The 29-year-old left Feyenoord to join Lazio in the summer of 2014, off the back of a starting role as the Netherlands reached the semi-final of the year’s World Cup.

Then, in the summer of 2018, de Vrij left the Italian capital to join Inter, where his form has seemed to improve season on season, culminating in his vital role in the Nerazzurri lifting the scudetto for the first time in eleven years, the Dutchman at the heart of the best defense in Serie A.

He talks about his understanding of the game having improved in Italy, as well as his mindset:

“In Italy, I’ve learned a lot about the tactical aspect of the game, I have played there for seven years and I have made huge steps forward that have made me stronger as a defender.”

“In Italy,” he continued, “I am experiencing the best period of my career. I have learned so much about the game.”

De Vrij related his Serie A experiences to his performances and ambitions with the Dutch national side:

“I have picked up the Italian attention to defense, so while of course I am glad to have won against Ukraine, it also bothers me to have conceded two goals.”