Ronald Koeman, the manager of the Netherlands, emphasised that it was unnecessary to exaggerate the significance of Matthijs de Ligt’s mistakes in their victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In Eindhoven, the Dutch team allowed two goals, both of which were a result of blunders made by De Ligt. However, they managed to score five goals, securing all three points. Joshua Zirkzee, a teammate of the Manchester United defence, and Cody Gakpo, a forward for Liverpool, were among the players who scored.
Bosnia equalised thanks to Ermedin Demirovic, who took advantage of De Ligt’s subpar defending. The central defender allowed Demirovic to be in an onside position due to dubious positioning.
The 25-year-old player was also distracted and not paying attention to the ball during Bosnia’s second goal, allowing Edin Dzeko to easily score and bring the score to 3-2. This intensified the pressure on the Dutch team towards the end of the match. Koeman, however, has emphasised the contributions of other players and has supported De Ligt.
He remarked that Xavi Simons might have performed more effectively. He was closely shadowing their left midfielder and abruptly disengaged from marking him. Undoubtedly, the center-backs are also mispositioning themselves.
When asked directly about De Ligt’s individual performance, the Dutch manager stated: “He himself acknowledges that he was in the incorrect position.” Although it is undesirable, errors are inherent in the game of football. I believe it is inequitable to exaggerate its significance.
The defender took responsibility for his blunders, acknowledging them by stating: “I believe you understand my sentiments… we emerged victorious, but then the focus shifts to the individual aspect…” I acknowledge that I should have performed more effectively in preventing their second goal. I am uncertain about the events that transpired. I should have successfully executed a clearance of the ball, nevertheless, I experienced persistent uncertainties throughout the duration of the play. The situation is severely problematic.
In addition, he stated, “Would this game be considered a missed opportunity for me?” I am uncertain. I strive to achieve excellence.
De Ligt is determined to demonstrate his ability to fulfil the potential he shown years ago at Ajax, when he played a crucial part in their journey to the semi-finals of the Champions League. Several prominent European teams want to get his contract, but he has failed to meet expectations at both Juventus and Bayern Munich.
He has recently been reunited with Erik ten Hag, under whom he flourished while at Ajax, in Manchester. De Light has not had the desired early impression, as he lost in his sole start while Liverpool scored three goals against the Red Devils in the penultimate game before the international break.
Paul Scholes expressed apprehension on the acquisition of De Ligt, which incurred an expenditure of almost £40 million for the club. He attributed his decrease in performance in Germany on his difficulty in obtaining consistent playing time. The former midfielder stated: “He has not participated in any matches for their team.” That is a significant worry for me, particularly when Eric Dier is positioned in front of him. I am being serious; that is a significant concern for me.
“You are recruiting players for £40m, £50m, solely based on the fact that they played for the team three or four years ago…” Juventus released him due to his lack of proficiency; evidently, he has not met the required standards for both Juventus and Bayern Munich. He is now approaching us as a defender of lower quality.
