Dutch Managers Issues FIFA World Cup Warning To Inter Milan Center-Back: “He Doesn’t Play Much” | OneFootball

Dutch boss Ronald Koeman has issued a concerning FIFA World Cup warning to Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij.

Speaking to ESPN via FCInterNews, the former Barcelona boss delivered his verdict on De Vrij’s limited playing time at San Siro.

Despite his long-serving status at Inter Milan, Stefan de Vrij has been on the fringes this season.

Indeed, the 34-year-old has made just seven appearances in Serie A.

De Vrij has tumbled down the pecking order under Cristian Chivu, with Yann Bisseck and Francesco Acerbi ahead of him.

Therefore, it’s unsurprising that the 20-time Italian champions are reluctant to offer him a new contract.

Meanwhile, De Vrij’s current deal expires in June, with the former Lazio star expected to leave the club in the summer.

However, he’s still hoping to feature for his country in the upcoming World Cup.

Koeman’s charges have already qualified for the most prestigious international tournament.

Dutch Manager Ronald Koeman Issues World Cup Warning to Inter Milan Star Stefan de Vrij

“We have maximum competition among the players in the defensive sector,” Koeman stated. “Matthijs de Ligt is injured, Stefan doesn’t play much, and fortunately Nathan Aké has played again for Manchester City.”

Asked about De Vrij’s status in the national team, Koeman replied: “You have to look at playing time. But that’s not the deciding factor for me. I also consider the personalities within the team, their experience in the squad. All of this speaks in his favor.

“These guys also feel the need to play, but I mainly work with a solid group because I trust them,” he added. “We know each other well, and from a quality standpoint, they are still part of the Dutch national team. But they do need to play some matches.”

Given the fierce competition for places, De Vrij must be desperate to secure regular first-team football in the final stages of the season.