Stefan de Vrij, a name that echoes with the echoes of defensive solidity and tactical brilliance, is a story woven into the fabric of Inter Milan’s recent success. His journey, however, began far from the San Siro, in the modest town of Ouderkerk aan den IJssel, Netherlands.
A Journey from Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
Born on February 5th, 1992, de Vrij’s footballing roots were nurtured in the amateur team VV Spirit, where he honed his skills for five years. At the tender age of 10, he caught the eye of the Feyenoord scouts and was invited to join their prestigious youth academy. This marked a pivotal point in his career, propelling him towards a promising future.
The Rise of a Star
His talent flourished within Feyenoord’s youth system. By 2007, he was called up to the Netherlands’ Under-16 National Team, a testament to his rapid development. In 2009, he signed his first professional contract with Rotterdam, a significant step towards realizing his dreams. He tasted European competition at an early age, making his debut in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers in 2010, followed by a Champions League debut in 2012.
De Vrij’s international breakthrough came in August 2012 when he made his senior Netherlands national team debut in a friendly against Belgium. His journey took him to Lazio in 2014, where he seamlessly integrated into the team and scored his first goal for the Biancoceleste in a Coppa Italia match.
The same year, he played a key role in the World Cup in Brazil, marking his debut with a goal in the Netherlands’ 5-1 victory over Spain, ultimately finishing the tournament in third place.
Inter Milan: A New Chapter
On July 1st, 2018, de Vrij joined Inter Milan, starting a new chapter in his illustrious career. He quickly became an integral part of the team, solidifying his position as a defensive cornerstone and proving that he could contribute in both attack and defense.
A Defensive Wall and an Offensive Threat
His first season at Inter saw him become a defensive mainstay, earning the number 6 shirt in Simone Inzaghi’s squad. His first goal for the Nerazzurri arrived in the second match of the campaign, while he also contributed an assist in his Champions League debut against Tottenham.
The following season, 2019/20, witnessed a remarkable increase in de Vrij’s attacking prowess, culminating in him being crowned Best Defender of the Season by Lega Serie A.
The Pinnacle of Success
The 2020/21 season was a crowning achievement, with de Vrij playing a pivotal role in Inter Milan’s 19th Scudetto victory. His tactical intelligence and reliable performances proved invaluable, contributing to a triumphant season.
A Legacy Defined by Consistency and Excellence
In the subsequent seasons, de Vrij continued to deliver consistent, high-quality performances, making a total of 80 appearances and scoring two goals, which proved instrumental in securing two Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa titles.
A True Icon
Stefan de Vrij’s journey at Inter Milan is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With a total of 203 appearances and 9 goals, he stands as a true icon of the Nerazzurri defense, a symbol of strength, tactical brilliance, and a true ambassador for the beautiful game.
