Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini insists Inter Milan and Netherlands star Stefan de Vrij remains a great defender despite committing a costly blunder.
The Netherlands battled England in the semi-final of EURO 2024 in Dortmund, but fell just short in their attempts to reach the grand finale.
The Oranje took an early lead thanks to an unstoppable shot from Xavi Simons.
However, the English replied swiftly through a Harry Kane penalty kick. The match official made the controversial decision following a VAR review. He decided that the Inter wingback Denzel Dumfries fouled the England captain inside the box.
But just when we thought the match was heading to extra-time, Ollie Watkins came off the bench to win it for the Three Lions at the death.
The Aston Villa star’s shot whistled past de Vrij who was marking him and crept just inside the far bottom corner.
After the match, Chiellini analyzed the move that led to the winner.
Giorgio Chiellini Feels Inter Milan Defender Stefan De Vrij Could Have Easily Avoided England’s Winner
The legendary Italian defender felt that de Vrij should have closed the far corner, forcing the striker to target the near post.
Nevertheless, the EURO 2020 winner insists that the Nerazzurri star remains a solid defender.
“The small details make the difference,” noted the former Italy captain in his post-match appearance on Sky Sport Italia via FcInterNews.
“Watkins’ movement is right but he goes towards the far corner. The only thing the defender must avoid is to try to take the ball.
“You have to close the second post and allow the goalkeeper to have an easy save on the near post.
“On the contrary, when the ball goes through the defender’s legs it becomes difficult for the keeper.
“It is a great goal, but it was easily avoidable. I feel sorry for de Vrij who is a great defender. Winning or losing games at this level is also a question of details”.
