Lazio’s inspired signing of young Dutch centre-back Stefan de Vrij has been the catalyst for its rise in Serie A this season. As a club on the verge of Champions League qualification, statistics prove that De Vrij’s absence is putting these ambitions at risk.
De Vrij rose to prominence during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in which the former Feynoord defender started in all of the Netherlands’ games on their way to a third place finish. His performances saw his name feature prominently on many big European club wish lists, which included the likes of Manchester United, where his Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal was to take over as manager.
It was, however, Lazio where de Vrij would find himself. Its president and new coach, Stefano Pioli, successfully displayed to de Vrij the club’s vision and ambitions and won his signature on a five-year deal.
De Vrij made his league debut for Lazio in a 3-1 loss to AC Milan and in his third game was sent off, which resulted in a narrow 1-0 loss to Genoa – the winning goal was scored after his dismissal. Despite this uninspired start, de Vrij has become the foundation for Lazio’s best Serie A season since 2006-07. The Dutchman’s unheralded performances at the centre of Lazio’s back four have seen the club into third place in Serie A and into Champions League reckoning.
It has been five games since de Vrij last featured in the Lazio lineup after injuring his knee in a 4-0 win over Empoli. Since his injury and subsequent absence, Lazio has struggled, winning one game, losing five and drawing two, a run that puts its Champions League aspirations at risk. Now with three crucial games remaining, statistics show that a de Vrij return is the key to Lazio’s success this season.
In dissecting the numbers, you will notice the immense effect de Vrij has had on Lazio’s results. Of the 35 games it has played this season, 18 of its 19 wins have come when he has been in the lineup, including the eight league wins in a row between rounds 23 and 30.
With de Vrij marshalling the defence, Lazio has a winning percentage of 67%, an amazing number that almost matches that of runaway Serie A champions Juventus’ 69%. Without de Vrij, Lazio has won a miserly 13%, an abysmal winning record that is worse than all Serie A clubs bar Cesena.
From a points perspective, de Vrij has helped Lazio accumulate 2.15 points per game, a far cry from the 0.63 points per game gained in his absence.
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The most telling statistic, however, is that of clean sheets. Despite his age, the 23-year-old defender has been a proven leader on the field and the foundation of a tight defence. With de Vrij, Lazio has kept 13 of its 14 clean sheets this season, reflected in the fact that it has conceded a mere 0.89 goals per game with him as opposed to 1.25 goals per game without.
With three league games and a Coppa Italia final remaining, there is an urgent need for de Vrij to return to the starting XI. News out of the club suggests he is close to a return from his injury but there has been no date set for de Vrij to reappear. For fans of the Biancoceleste, only one thing is certain: the key to unlocking success this season lies with Stefan de Vrij.
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