Rewinding to the start of 2026, Koni De Winter was in a real rut. Fast-forwarding to the present, he has become one of the first names on the team sheet.
De Winter was signed from Genoa as the replacement for the departed Malick Thiaw, who moved to Newcastle United in a big-money deal. The signing was neither met by a great wave of enthusiasm not a negative outpouring, especially when he quickly settled into being fourth choice.
Injuries to various central defenders saw De Winter dip in and out of the team, yet he kept making errors and looking shaky. The symbol of these struggles was in the Supercoppa Italiana sem-final against Napoli, when he was bullied by Rasmus Hojlund in truth.
Since then, however, the trajectory has been nothing but upward. He has steadily justified the faith shown by Massimiliano Allegri, delivering composed performances and proving why the coach trusted him as Thiaw’s successor. Rohit Rajeev has analysed his impact.
Increased focus
De Winter consistently tracks the movement of the ball while periodically checking over his shoulder to stay aware of his direct opponent.
In this moment against Inter, he keeps his focus on the unfolding play in front of him so he can adjust his positioning, while simultaneously monitoring Esposito’s movement behind him. This defensive awareness allows him to anticipate the danger and step in to make the clearance.
koni de winter analysis
Smarter judgement
In the match against Bologna, a 2v1 situation developed against Milan on the wing. De Winter closely monitored the progression of the play, keeping his attention on both the ball and the attacking movement.
As the cross was delivered, he quickly assessed that the ball was not intended for Lewis Ferguson but was instead targeting the near-post area of Milan’s box. Reading the trajectory early, De Winter stepped across and positioned himself in the path of the delivery, successfully making the block.
koni de winter analysis
Against Fiorentina, De Winter was drawn into a 2v1 situation during a counter-attack. Rather than diving in, he managed the situation by jockeying into position, getting on his front foot while keeping his stronger foot set behind him for balance and control.
When the pass was played to Pongračić, De Winter intelligently angled his body to force him onto his weaker left foot. Once the touch carried the ball into that less comfortable zone, De Winter committed to the tackle and successfully disrupted the attack.
koni de winter analysis
Building chemistry
Against Cremonese, De Winter and Pavlović showed strong defensive coordination and communication. As both Vardy and Thorsby surged into the box anticipating a cross, the two centre-backs seamlessly exchanged their marking responsibilities.
This quick adjustment ensured that each runner was accounted for, preventing confusion in the defensive line and maintaining Milan’s coverage inside the penalty area.
When Milan played with a high defensive line against Inter in the first half, De Winter was proactive in stepping out of the back line to contest and recover the ball higher up the pitch.
koni de winter analysis
However, he was selective with these movements, before jumping out, he assessed the surrounding situation to ensure that his advance would not expose the team to a counter-attacking threat, particularly in scenarios where Inter could create a potential 1v2 against the remaining defenders.
koni de winter analysis
Passing range
In this situation, De Winter bypasses the safer option of playing out wide to Saelemaekers and instead opts for a more progressive pass into Fofana.
The decision breaks the opposition’s lines and helps advance Milan into a more dangerous attacking area. It also reflects his composure and passing quality, highlighted by a strong pass completion rate of around 90%.
koni de winter analysis
Against Inter, the defensive block shifted heavily toward Milan’s right side, closing most of the forward and central passing lanes available to Tomori. Recognising the situation, De Winter dropped deeper to present himself as a recycling option.
From there, he facilitated the switch of play from right to left, allowing Milan to quickly exploit the far side and catch Inter’s block off balance.
He ranks third in the league for aerial duels won, highlighting his effectiveness in aerial contests and his importance in defending crosses, long balls, and set-piece situations.
koni de winter analysis
The question mark
The doubt about De Winter is not necessarily regarding his role as an individual, but rather the direction of Allegri and his tactics. Effectively, the question is regarding the system and the Belgian’s role within it.
To be more specific, if Allegri were to stick with a three-man defence, would De Winter automatically remain the middle man even when Matteo Gabbia returns? Or, is there the possibility he shifts to RCB and Fikayo Tomori drops out?
Given how good the former Genoa man has been and the form of Pavlovic, might Max finally have the guarantees he needs to play a pairing and shift to a 4-3-3? On paper, they are an ideal right and left-footed duo, while De Winter can also play right-back.
Either way, Koni De Winter has gone from being the big question mark in the central defensive department to perhaps the biggest certainty. At just 23 years of age it is clear that the ceiling his very high, and Thiaw’s name has already been forgotten about.