De Ligt Reveals the Harsh Reality of Premier League Competition
Matthijs de Ligt has taken the plunge and joined the exclusive club of Premier League defenders, but the initial struggles have been a sobering experience. The former Ajax starlet has echoed the sentiments of many new signings, stating that the step up in competition and intensity has been a tough one to navigate.
"I have to admit, there is a big difference," De Ligt told Viaplay. "The resilience in the Eredivisie is very different from here in the Premier League. Every club here has a manager at a very high tactical level, and you have to be able to respond to that."
It’s no secret that De Ligt was wooed by Erik ten Hag, his former manager at Ajax, to join the Red Devils. The midfielder credits Ten Hag with making him captain at Ajax, and giving him the confidence and motivation to lead the team. But even De Ligt has been struggling to find his footing, with Manchester United’s campaign off to a stuttering start.
"Ten Hag knows me really well, and I know him well too," De Ligt confessed to MUTV. "He made me captain, and also at my time at Ajax, he gave me a lot of confidence, he gave me a lot of motivation to try to lead the team."
One can’t help but sympathize with De Ligt’s plight. The harsh reality of the Premier League is that even the brightest stars can struggle to find their form in the frenetic environment. But can Manchester United turn things around and make a push for the title?
Only time will tell, but for now, it’s clear that the road ahead won’t be an easy one. Keep following us on all social media platforms for more updates, and we’ll have the latest on De Ligt’s journey and all the biggest transfer news around the Premier League!