Share

De Ligt leading a generation of gilded Dutch youth against Germany

The Hague  - For Matthijs de Ligt and the new generation of young Dutch talent, Friday's Euro 2020 qualifier against fierce rivals Germany is the latest chance to prove they are ready for a return to the big time.

Last spring, the 20-year-old central defender and young teammates Frenkie De Jong and Donny van de Beek dazzled Europe as they led Ajax to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

That run, and the national team's revival under Ronald Koeman, suggest that the Dutch might have another golden generation after failing to qualify for the most recent Euros and World Cup, and De Ligt is their figurehead.

The Dutch are looking to gain revenge of the 3-2 defeat to Joachim Loew's side in March and regain a foothold in Group C, where they are nine points behind leaders Northern Ireland but with two games in hand.

More importantly, they are six points behind the second-placed Germans -- who have played a game more -- thanks to that defeat in Amsterdam.

At just 19, De Ligt wore the captain's arm band as Ajax eliminated Real Madrid and Juventus before stumbling in the closing seconds against Tottenham in the last four. He also scored against both Juve and Spurs.

His performances earned him a summer move to Juve, one of the temples of defensive play where he will earn 12 million euros a year over the next five seasons.

He was catapulted into a starting role when the Italian champions' captain Giorgio Chiellini tore a knee ligament in training, but his debut against Napoli on Sunday did not go well, as Juventus chucked away a three-goal lead before a stoppage time own goal saved their blushes.

De Ligt was criticised for his poor display, but back with the Dutch squad, he found a supporter in Koeman, himself a former central defender.

"Don't forget that he's only 20 years old and has to adapt to his new environment," former Barcelona star Koeman said.

De Ligt was born in Abcoude, a peaceful town of 8,000 inhabitants about 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) from Amsterdam, to a family of athletes. His parents played tennis and hockey, and young Matthijs played both sports before finally turning to football.

He arrived at the Ajax training centre, De Toekomst, in 2009 a shy lad lacking self-confidence, but grew physically and also developed the positive arrogance Ajax seek to instil.

Sometimes mocked for being chubby, he worked hard on his fitness, in particular with the former 800-metre European champion, Bram Som.

De Ligt likes to insist that he considers himself a "normal boy" and not a genius like Lionel Messi. Yet the young Dutchman, rose through the ranks quickly for both Ajax and the national team.

He made his club debut just after his 17th birthday. Within six months he was a Dutch international. He became the youngest captain in Ajax history at 18.

Against Germany, de Ligt will operate in the substantial shadow of central defensive partner Virgil van Dijk, just elected European player of the year and called "an enormous wardrobe," by Germany's Serge Gnabry.

At Juventus, de Ligt believes he can learn from Ronaldo.

"At his side, I hope to make great progress, especially in terms of the seriousness of the work I do," he recently told the Dutch daily De Telegraaf.

"If he gives the image of a distant boy, it's because he does everything to win," said de Ligt. "The craziness I experienced with my small celebrity, he has seen multiplied to the power of a thousand."

 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE