Matthijs de Ligt has overlooked players like Virgil van Dijk and Leonardo Bonucci in choosing a former Manchester United player as the best defender he has ever partnered with.
The 25-year-old made the switch to the Red Devils this summer from Bayern Munich, after having played for some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
De Ligt gained valuable experience alongside Van Dijk at the international level, and his time at Juventus allowed him to learn from iconic defenders like Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.
However, the former Ajax captain believes his peak performance came while playing alongside…Continue Reading
Daley Blind, a fellow Dutchman who struggled to find consistent form during his time at Manchester United.
‘I’ve played with so many amazing central defenders,’ De ligt told Sky Sports when asked to reflect on his career.
‘I played with Van Dijk, I played with Chiellini, Bonucci, I played with Upamecano and Kim at Bayern Munich.
‘But if I name one where I felt it was the best partnership where together I felt we worked the best it was Daley Blind because I had a really good connection with him.
‘I think we complimented each other really well we felt exactly where to go, where we could help the other one and that was still the partnership I think was the best connection together.’
It’s been a tough beginning at Manchester United for the dominant center-back, with his recent displays heavily criticized by pundits such as Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher.
De Ligt’s position in Ronald Koeman’s starting lineup for the Netherlands is also in jeopardy, but Erik ten Hag remains optimistic that his major summer signing will quickly regain his form and confidence.
‘I know Matthijs and he’s a great personality,’ said Ten Hag. ‘He will overcome this and will bounce back in this situation with the Dutch squad. It is definitely not his club situation. I’m not afraid for this situation. I know his qualities, I know his personality and I know he’ll fight back.
‘The other thing is he had been a very difficult pre-season because he didn’t play games. His only game from the start was the last game against Liverpool.
‘Without this he goes and starts for the Dutch squad and he’s not in the rhythm yet or up to full speed. But when he is, you will see his qualities and a different player.’
