Defender Stefan de Vrij found himself caught flat-footed in the first half of Inter Milan’s Serie A win over Monza yesterday.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.

Stefan de Vrij started in the middle of Inter Milan’s back three yesterday.

This allowed Francesco Acerbi to play on the left of the defense. And makeshift wingback Alessandro Bastoni pushed up onto the flank as Inter negotiated an injury crisis.

That was the same setup as against Feyenoord in midweek.

It had worked well in Rotterdam, against de Vrij’s former club. But yesterday, the former Lazio defender couldn’t quite settle in.

De Vrij Caught Flat-Footed In Inter Milan Vs Monza Clash

De Vrij is a defender who certainly thrives in certain kinds of matches.

The 33-year-old’s physicality and instincts allow him to mark “target man” centre-forwards and get to the ball first in his own penalty area.

Stefan de Vrij Inter Milan
CAGLIARI, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Stefan De Vrij of Inter warms up before the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on December 28, 2024 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Where de Vrij can struggle is when he doesn’t have a clear reference point.

Yesterday against Monza, that was the case.

The Brianzoli started with a front pairing of Dany Mota and Keita Balde. That was a very mobile and pacy combination.

And this left Stefan de Vrij flat-footed at times, and struggling to get his positioning right.

Particularly with Mota’s backheel on Samuele Birindelli’s opener, de Vrij was a spectator.