 Twelve months after winning the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship for the first time, Vlaar was the captain of the team that retained the trophy in style with a 4–1 win against Serbia U21 in the final.Vlaar played in every match in the group stage, but had to leave the pitch injured in the semi final match against England U21 (1–1 aet 13–12 pso).Vlaar had to watch the final from the sideline, but was able to lift the trophy together with reserve captain Hedwiges Maduro.