Legendary former Inter Milan and Brazil defender Lucio sees a bit of himself in current Nerazzurri defenders Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij.

The 2010 Treble winner spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews.

Lucio is certainly a player who made his mark at Inter.

The Brazilian had already established himself as a world-class defender in the Bundesliga with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich before he arrived at Inter in the summer of 2009.

But it was at the Nerazzurri that Lucio really found his best form.

The defender became a key cog in the team that won the European Treble under Jose Mourinho.

And he did so in just his first season at the club.

Then, Lucio would go on to spend two more seasons at Inter.

Naturally, the Brazilian makes for a point of comparison for current Inter defenders.

And there are some younger players like Alessandro Bastoni and Benjamin Pavard who have shone for Inter so far this season.

But for Lucio himself, the best comparisons in terms of style of play are a couple veterans.

Lucio Compares Himself To Francesco Acerbi & Stefan De Vrij

As far as the current Inter defense, Lucio has a positive view.

“I see the current defensive options as being very well-balanmced,” the Brazilian said.

“There are players who have great experience in man-marking, like Acerbi and de Vrij,” he went on.

“Players like that can also help their younger teammates a lot.”

“And I like how versatile Darmian is,” Lucio continued. “He can play on either flank, or in the back three.”

“And then Pavard and Bastoni, even though they’re currently injured, remain two pillars for their national teams.”

“Everyone knows the potential they have,” the former defender said of Bastoni and Pavard.

As far as who he would compare to himself from Inter’s current defense, Lucio said “Let’s say that I’m halfway between de Vrij and Acerbi.”

“Both have some of the same characteristics I did,” he said of the two ex-Lazio defenders.

“Acerbi is capable of giving the entire backline strength,” Lucio said. ‘He’s a leader.”

“Meanwhile De Vrij can be dangerous in the opposition penalty area.”