Legendary former Inter defender Ivan Cordoba feels that current Nerazzurri defender Stefan de Vrij must have some competition for his starting spot in order to find his best form.
Speaking to Italian news outlet Gazzetta.it, the Colombian emphasized the role of competitive pressure in seeing a player like de Vrij find their best form on a consistent basis.
De Vrij has not always been at his best over the past couple of seasons, with his good displays interspersed with matches where he has looked a bit off the pace or has made prominent defensive errors.
The arrival of Francesco Acerbi from Lazio this season has given the Dutchman some competition, and this has perhaps played a role in a more consistent string of performances from him.
However, in the view of Cordoba, it is not enough, and there has to be greater competitive pressure on him to really get the best out of the former Lazio and Feyenoord defender.
“The more intense the competition, the more your level rises,” he said. “Otherwise you become relaxed.”
“Stefan de Vrij is an example of this happening,” Cordoba continued, “he’s a great player, perhaps if he’d felt someone closer to him ready to take his place then his level wouldn’t have dropped.”
