Matthijs de Ligt will also be in the starting lineup on Tuesday against Germany. This has been confirmed by head coach Ronald Koeman during the press conference ahead of the match.
Matthijs de Ligt's recent performances have come under the spotlight, particularly after his role in the Netherlands' match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The young defender, who has been a key figure for both club and country, found himself at the center of attention following Edin Dzeko's equalizing goal during that game. In the buildup to the goal, De Ligt’s positioning and timing were called into question, leading to a defensive lapse that allowed Dzeko to score. This moment has sparked discussions about his current form and future potential as one of Europe’s top defenders.
Following the match, Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman addressed De Ligt’s mistake, making it clear that while it was an error, it shouldn’t be blown out of proportion. "We briefly discussed it, specifically focusing on the goal we conceded. His positioning wasn’t right. He didn’t time his steps correctly," Koeman explained. Despite this, Koeman emphasized that it was just one bad moment in an otherwise decent performance. He added, "It was an individual mistake by a defender. You have to learn from it, but you shouldn't make a big deal out of it."
Koeman's approach reflects his confidence in De Ligt’s abilities and potential. While acknowledging that the young defender made an error, the coach also pointed out that De Ligt had strong moments during the game, particularly with his play on the ball. "He also had very good moments with the ball. One of those moments even led to a big chance when he played a direct forward pass," Koeman highlighted, underscoring that De Ligt’s contribution wasn’t limited to his defensive duties. However, Koeman was candid about the need for continued development, saying, "It’s clear he still has to improve."
Despite the mistake, Koeman showed faith in De Ligt by confirming that the defender would start again in the upcoming match against Germany. This indicates that Koeman sees the incident as part of De Ligt's learning curve rather than a reflection of his overall ability. As one of the key players in the Dutch squad, De Ligt, at just 25 years old, is preparing to make his 47th international appearance, a significant milestone for any player.
De Ligt’s recent move from Bayern Munich to Manchester United has been another major talking point in his career. At Bayern, he was part of one of Europe’s top teams, consistently challenging for major honors. However, the switch to Manchester United, a club looking to re-establish itself among Europe's elite, has been viewed as a bold step. Koeman weighed in on the move, offering his support for De Ligt’s decision. "I don’t know why the club sold him. Or maybe it was his decision. He called me to talk about the move to United. It was a good step, but staying at Bayern would have also been good for him."
Koeman’s comments suggest that De Ligt had options, and while the coach supported the decision to move to England, he recognized that Bayern Munich could have continued to provide the defender with top-level competition. The move to Manchester United, however, presents De Ligt with new challenges and opportunities, particularly in the Premier League, widely regarded as one of the most competitive leagues in the world. At United, De Ligt will have to adapt to a new environment, but if he can secure regular playing time, it could accelerate his development as one of the world's leading center-backs.
"I hope he gets playing time at United and continues to develop his game," Koeman concluded, emphasizing the importance of consistent minutes on the pitch for De Ligt’s growth. As the Dutch national team looks to build a strong squad for future tournaments, including the upcoming European Championships and World Cup, Koeman will be relying on De Ligt to solidify his place at the heart of the Dutch defense.
In the broader context, De Ligt's journey reflects the challenges faced by young footballers who rise to prominence at an early age. Having captained Ajax to a Champions League semi-final at just 19 years old, De Ligt was quickly thrust into the limelight, with major clubs vying for his signature. His move to Juventus in 2019 was seen as the next step in his career, but after two seasons in Italy, he transferred to Bayern Munich, where he continued to hone his skills. Now at Manchester United, De Ligt is entering a crucial phase in his career, where he will look to translate his potential into consistent world-class performances.
For De Ligt, the immediate focus will be on delivering strong performances for the Netherlands, starting with the upcoming clash against Germany. The match presents an opportunity for the young defender to bounce back from his recent mistake and reaffirm his place as one of the top defenders in European football. With Koeman’s trust and the backing of his teammates, De Ligt will be eager to prove that his best days are still ahead, both for club and country.
