If you follow European football, the name Matthijs de Ligt rings a bell. He’s the Dutch centre‑back who broke onto the scene at Ajax and now leads Juventus' back line. Fans love him because he mixes physical power with calm decision‑making.
De Ligt joined Ajax's youth system when he was just eight. By 17, he made his first‑team debut and helped the club win the Eredivisie twice. His big moment came in the 2018–19 Champions League semi‑final against Tottenham – a night that showed his composure under pressure.
That performance earned him the UEFA Young Player of the Year award and a move to Juventus for €75 million, making him one of the most expensive defenders ever. At Juventus, he quickly became a regular starter, wearing the number 4 shirt.
What makes De Ligt special? First, his height (1.89 m) gives him an edge in aerial duels. He wins most of the headers on set pieces and clears dangerous balls out of the box.
Second, he reads the game well. Instead of always diving into tackles, he often steps forward to cut passing lanes. This anticipation reduces the number of chances opponents get.
Third, his passing is reliable. Modern defenders need to start attacks, and De Ligt can deliver short passes to midfielders or long balls to wingers with good accuracy.
This season, De Ligt helped Juventus keep clean sheets in several key Serie A matches. He also scored a crucial goal against Napoli from a corner, showing his threat on offense.
On the international stage, he captained the Netherlands at Euro 2024 and played every minute of their run to the quarter‑finals. His leadership earned praise from coach Ronald Koeman.
Looking ahead, De Ligt aims to win Serie A and push Juventus back into the Champions League knockout rounds. For the Dutch team, he’s set to be a cornerstone for the next World Cup cycle.
If you enjoy watching strong defenders who can also start attacks, De Ligt is a player worth following. His growth from teenager to seasoned captain shows dedication and talent.
Follow his matches on Serie A streaming platforms or catch the Netherlands' games during international windows – you’ll see why clubs across Europe still talk about him as a top‑class centre‑back.
