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Matthijs de Ligt has been a rock on the again for Manchester United this season. The Dutchman has performed each minute of each Premier League match for the Crimson Devils to this point.
De Ligt has largely operated within the central centre-back place, however has slotted in effortlessly at proper centre-back to accommodate Harry Maguire in a again three when required.
The 26 12 months previous has reportedly gained probably the most defensive duels amongst centre-backs within the Premier League this season, signalling his spectacular rise. De Ligt lately sat down for a candid dialog to debate his current kind.
The advantages of a full pre-season
Talking to the Crimson Devils’ web site, De Ligt outlined the explanations behind his wonderful kind this season. He stated: “Nicely, the very first thing that’s actually necessary is I had a correct pre-season.”
“I really feel, for me and my physique, pre-season is at all times actually necessary and I believe it was one of many first pre-seasons in 5 or 6 years once I didn’t have a switch, an damage or a Euros.
“The final time was in all probability my final season at Ajax and that was really the most effective seasons of my profession! I really feel it’s a massive factor that’s actually necessary.
“I really feel that, mentally and bodily, I’m in a very good place. I really feel fairly assured. Clearly, my team-mates and the supervisor assist quite a bit as a result of they provide me this confidence.
“I believe I’m additionally used to the Premier League as properly now, the tempo, which helps additionally. General, these are a very powerful issues that take me to this degree for the time being.”
This season, De Ligt has registered 15 tackles, eight interceptions and 5 blocks in eight Premier League appearances. He has registered 360 passes with an 88% completion price. The Dutchman’s disciplinary document has additionally been spectacular, as he has conceded solely 5 fouls and is but to obtain a yellow card or a crimson card.
A pure inheritor to Harry Maguire
De Ligt believes he’s coming into his prime and stays hopeful of continuous his spectacular rise.
“I really feel that I’m coming to my prime age now. I believe as a defender, usually round 29, 30, 31, you might be at your finest. I’m now 26 and I believe I’ve skilled quite a bit in my profession and I can use this expertise to my benefit. Hopefully I can preserve persevering with that,” stated De Ligt.
De Ligt has now made 51 appearances for the Premier League giants since arriving from Bayern Munich in the summertime of 2024. Over the course of his profession, the Dutchman has additionally performed 117 instances for Ajax, 117 instances for Juventus and 73 instances for the Bavarians.
With Maguire already on the incorrect aspect of 30, De Ligt may properly be the Englishman’s long-term successor on the Theatre of Desires.
All stats through the Premier League’s Web site.
Featured picture Michael Regan through Getty Photos
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