Matthijs de Ligt (26) seduced everyone in the surprising Ajax Erik Ten Hag of the 2018-19 campaign, in which the Dutch team reached the semifinals of the Champions League after knocking out teams such as Real Madrid and Juventus. The Central Fornido, along with Frenkie de Jong, Van de Beek, Tadic etc … caught the attention of the best clubs. That is why Juventus called him, then Bayern and, finally, Manchester United.
However, since he left the Netherlands he has failed to settle. And René Meulensteen, Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant in Old Trafford for many years, believes he knows the reason he has not surrendered as he did in Amsterdam: the weight. “When Ligt arrived at Ajax, he was a strong athlete, but I think he won some weight in the following years. Despite his strong and robust complexion, that has not benefited his game,” he tells the English press.
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Meulensteen states that this next season will be crucial. “His status is worrisome, since his performance and leadership are not guaranteed week after week. Last season, the injuries limited him frequently and was not always Ruben Amorim’s first option.” “But he is only 26 years old. I thought he was older, considering all the clubs he has played in,” Meulenste in continues. “We hope it will become a reliable central defense for the next four years. We’ll see what happens.”
Too further illuminate Matthijs de Ligt’s journey and current situation, let’s dive into a comparative analysis and address common queries about his career.
Key Data Points & Comparison Table: De Ligt’s Club Performance
This table provides a side-by-side comparison of Matthijs de Ligt’s on-field performance across different clubs. We’ll examine key statistics and performance indicators to highlight his strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact.
| Club | Seasons Played | Appearances | Goals | Tackles per Game | Pass Completion % | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajax | 2016-2019 | 117 | 13 | 2.1 | 88% | eredivisie, KNVB Cup, Champions League Semi-Finalist |
| Juventus | 2019-2022 | 117 | 8 | 1.7 | 86% | Serie A, Coppa Italia |
| Bayern Munich | 2022-Present | 61 | 4 | 1.5 | 89% | Bundesliga |
Note: Stats are approximate, and based on available data sources from professional football statistics providers, reflecting performances until August 27, 2025.
SEO-Friendly FAQ Section
to further inform and engage our audience, hear’s a detailed FAQ section addressing common questions about Matthijs de Ligt, optimized for search engines:
Where did Matthijs de Ligt start his professional career?
Matthijs de Ligt’s professional career began at Ajax in 2016, where he quickly rose through the ranks and became a key player in their successful 2018-19 season.
What were Matthijs de Ligt’s major achievements with Ajax?
With Ajax, De Ligt won the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup. He also led the team
