In The Spotlight
Matthijs de Ligt – Manchester United’s defensive anchor and the Netherlands’ World Cup hope
In this series, The Straits Times highlights the players or teams to watch in the world of sport. Today, we focus on Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt as he prepares for World Cup qualifiers with the Netherlands.
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Manchester United's Matthijs de Ligt celebrates scoring their second goal in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Nov 8.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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This English Premier League season, Matthijs de Ligt has solidified his reputation as one of Manchester United’s most reliable performers under manager Ruben Amorim.
The 26-year-old Dutch centre-back, who joined from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, has been an ever-present figure in United’s backline. He is the only player who has played every single minute of the club’s 11 matches in the league campaign so far.
This remarkable durability boosts his importance to a team navigating a transitional phase, with United showing signs of improvement despite inconsistent results.
De Ligt’s contributions extend far beyond mere availability. According to the Premier League website, he has won 62 duels and 40 aerial duels, while making 18 tackles and 13 interceptions across those 11 games.
His aggressive style also gives him an edge in attack.
In the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur
Amorim has been effusive in his praise, noting de Ligt’s defensive solidity while hinting at untapped potential.
“I think he is doing really well, really aggressive, is defending well,” he said. “I think he has more quality with the ball than he is showing. He is still in the point of not wanting to make mistakes with the ball.”
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand echoed this sentiment.
“De Ligt has been our best defender this season, he is even adding goals for us, like the last-minute goal the other day,” he said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.
“But in terms of his press, he’s assertive and has willingness to go into foreign areas of the pitch to defend at the right times. His clearing out of his box is brilliant.”
De Ligt was made captain of Ajax Amsterdam (before his moves to Juventus and Bayern) by former United manager Erik ten Hag at the age of 18.
Interestingly, he was not included in the United leadership group that was introduced in the summer, which features club captain Bruno Fernandes, Maguire, Tom Heaton, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui.
But Amorim said de Ligt still leads by example, backing the player by saying: “We choose. Sometimes there are players who lead in the way they play.”
De Ligt’s form arrives at a pivotal time for United, who sit seventh in the table after an unbeaten run of five Premier League matches heading into the November international break.
His role in Amorim’s preferred back three has provided stability amid injuries and tactical adjustments.
This club-level resurgence has direct implications for the Netherlands, who face crucial World Cup 2026 qualifiers this week.
The Dutch are top of Group G on 16 points after six matches, ahead of Poland (13), Finland (10), Lithuania (3) and Malta (2). They travel to Poland on Nov 14 and host Lithuania three days later.
The group winners will secure direct qualification to the World Cup Finals in North America, while the runners-up will enter the play-offs.
De Ligt’s recall to the national squad on Nov 7, replacing Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij, signals his restored status under coach Ronald Koeman.
“You decide separately for each player in the squad. I felt I should select Matthijs based on what he’s showing,” Koeman said.
“He’s been through a difficult period. I’ve spoken to him and told him he didn’t look confident in his actions, but now that’s much better. And his position at the club and the club’s performance will always be important.”
Koeman’s vote of confidence stems inevitably from de Ligt’s United displays, most notably his outstanding performance against Tottenham.
With 51 caps and a history of captaining the side, he also brings leadership alongside skipper Virgil van Dijk.
His aerial prowess and duel-winning ability will be vital against physical opponents like Poland, led by their influential captain Robert Lewandowski.
The Netherlands, who started qualifiers in June due to Nations League commitments, need consistency to top the group; and de Ligt’s aggression could shore up a defence that has occasionally faltered.
De Ligt himself remains focused. In an interview posted on United’s website in October, he shared the reasons behind his improved form this season.
“I am feeling quite good, to be fair,” he said. “I am happy with the way I started, personally. I feel good physically and mentally. I try to help the team as much as possible in every game.
“The first thing that’s really important is I had a proper pre-season. For me and my body, pre-season is always really important and I think it was one of the first pre-seasons in five or six years when I didn’t have a transfer, an injury or a Euros. I feel it is a big thing that is really important.
“I feel that, mentally and physically, I am in a really good place. I feel quite confident.”
As United chase a spot in European football and the Netherlands eye World Cup qualification, de Ligt’s blend of experience – he made his international debut at just 17 – and current form make him indispensable.
His journey from Ajax prodigy to Bayern stalwart to United mainstay highlights his quality. Now, at 26, he is hitting his peak. For club and country, de Ligt is not just a key defender – he is the foundation for ambition.
