Bisseck emerges as future central option for Inter Milan’s defense

With Acerbi and De Vrij leading Inter Milan’s back three, Chivu could also adapt Yann Bisseck as a central solution

In Inter Milan’s three-man defense, the main central roles are held by Stefan De Vrij and Francesco Acerbi, but Cristian Chivu may also adapt Yann Bisseck when needed. The German defender has shown he can perform in all three positions at the back, making him more than just an alternative.

“In the central area of the back three, Inter Milan will still rely on the two veterans, Acerbi and De Vrij, who in February 2026 will turn 38 and 34 respectively. 

Last season, especially in the first half, Acerbi suffered some muscular problems, later overcome with a strong finish in 2025. 

De Vrij, meanwhile, provided greater consistency, with a better level of performance compared to his 2022–24 seasons. 

Now, everyone at Inter Milan hopes that both players, whose contracts expire in June 2026, can maintain their standards for another season — or at least remain injury-free until January,” reports Tuttosport via Fcinter1908.

Bisseck’s growth puts him in line as heir to Acerbi and De Vrij

“If not, Yann Auriel Bisseck will step in. The German centre-back, who will turn 25 in late November, is now considered a full starter by Inter Milan. 

During the summer, the club turned down several offers for him, demanding no less than €40 million (£34m). 

After a first year of learning, Bisseck made a real leap in 2024–25, playing 46 matches (30 as a starter) and even making his senior national team debut for Germany on March 23 against Italy.

Former coach Simone Inzaghi initially tested Bisseck as the central defender, but with Pavard’s inconsistent form and injuries, the tall German (196 cm) was often deployed as the right-sided centre-back. 

His performances were mixed: excellent at times, but marred by costly mistakes, such as two late handball fouls against Genoa and Lazio that erased four points and contributed to losing the title.

However, when used centrally (such as against Udinese in the Coppa Italia) or even on the left as Bastoni’s deputy, his performances were outstanding. 

Almost as if being in an unfamiliar role forced him to focus more. He has the physique, he has the potential. Chivu, himself a defensive maestro, will begin using him as Pavard’s alternative, but it’s not excluded that he could test him in the centre.

He still needs to improve in marking and anticipation, but if the experiment succeeds, Inter Milan may already have the solution in-house for the post-Acerbi and De Vrij era,” Tuttosport concludes.