Inter Milan defender Stefanm de Vrij has earned significant praise for his defensive performance against Monza yesterday.

Today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, label the 31-year-old as “impeccable” for his performance at the heart of the Nerazzurri backline.

De Vrij got his first start in over a month yesterday evening.

The Dutchman had last started in a Serie A win over Napoli at the start of December. A thigh injury that he picked up in that match had sidelined de Vrij for a couple weeks.

And since then, de Vrij has not yet gotten his starting place back from Francesco Acerbi.

But the Italian dropped out of the starting eleven against Monza, perhaps needing a bit of a rest.

And de Vrij proved to be more than capable of stepping in and marshalling the defense.

Stefan De Vrij Praised For “Impeccable” Performance Vs Monza

Perhaps there could have been one or two worries that the lack of a big centre-forward in the Monza team would be a problem for de Vrij.

The former Lazio and Feyenoord defender can certainly use his strength and composure to keep a target man under control.

But the relatively more mobile Danny Mota is the kind of player who can cause de Vrij to struggle.

Yet there was no evidence of that yesterday.

De Vrij stuck to his task very well. The 31-year-old’s concentration, intelligence, and timing were “impeccable” as he protected the Inter penalty area throughout the first half.

And de Vrij also had a vital role to play in Inter’s second goal.

The Dutchman showed that wide defenders like Alessandro Bastoni and Benjamin Pavard aren’t the only players with the technical ability to influence the attack.

It was de Vrij’s dribble into the heart of midfield that initiated the passing move that led to a tap-in for Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez.