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Old Reliable – Netherlands Star Hailed For Solid Display In Inter Milan 2-1 Urawa Red Diamonds FIFA Club World Cup Win

Originally posted on SempreInter.com  |  By Toni Weeler  |  Last updated Jun 22, 2025 8:05 AM ET

Stefan de Vrij has won praise for a solid display at the back for Inter Milan against Urawa Red Diamonds yesterday.

Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, hail the ever reliable Dutchman for his composure and control of his penalty area.

Stefan de Vrij started for Inter Milan against Urawa Red Diamonds. The 33-year-old took the place of Francesco Acerbi in the starting eleven from Inter’s first Club World Cup group stage match against Monterrey.

It was not necessarily the kind of match in which de Vrij typically thrives.

The former Lazio and Feyenoord defender is a very physical player with plenty of experience. Therefore, his comfort zone tends to be marking equally physical centre-forwards.

And Urawa Reds played without a real out-and-out striker for much of the match. Instead, quick winger Yatsuke Matsuo played up front for the Japanese team.

Stefan De Vrij Praised For Solid Display Vs Urawa Red Diamonds

De Vrij didn’t have too much of a problem adjusting to what Urawa Reds threw at him, though.

The 33-year-old safeguarded the Inter penalty area well. He was not really at fault for the Urawa Reds opening goal.

And de Vrij’s anticipation meant that he was always a step ahead of the Urawa Reds forwards to the ball.

Therefore, there was virtually no real danger from the Japanese team except for on their goal.

Then, when big centre-forward Thiago Santana came on late in the match, Stefan de Vrij marshalled the Brazilian well.

This article first appeared on SempreInter.com and was syndicated with permission.

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