This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
On Friday, Matthijs De Ligt and the Dutch national team will face off against Germany in a Euro 2020 qualifier, a match that will serve as the latest opportunity for the young Dutch defender and his teammates to prove their readiness for a return to the big time.
De Ligt's impressive performances last spring, particularly during Ajax's run to the semi-finals of the Champions League, have made him the figurehead of a new generation of Dutch talent.
Under the guidance of Ronald Koeman, the Dutch national team has experienced a revival, and De Ligt's success with Ajax has been a key factor in this resurgence.
De Ligt's move to Juventus in the summer, where he signed a five-year contract worth 12 million euros per year, has been a significant step in his career. The 70 million euros ($77.3 million) transfer fee made him the third-most-expensive player in the club's history.
Despite a disappointing debut against Napoli, De Ligt has found support in Koeman, who believes that the young defender is still adapting to his new environment.
"Don't forget that he's only 20 years old and has to adapt to his new environment," Koeman said.
De Ligt's journey to becoming one of the top young defenders in the world is a remarkable one. Born in Abcoude, a peaceful town near Amsterdam, De Ligt grew up in a family of athletes and played tennis and hockey before turning to football.
He joined the Ajax training centre, De Toekomst, in 2009 and quickly developed into a confident and skilled player. De Ligt's hard work and dedication, particularly in his fitness training with former 800-metre European champion Bram Som, have been instrumental in his success.
De Ligt's humility and willingness to learn from others, including his idol Lionel Messi, have made him a respected figure in the football world.
Against Germany, De Ligt will operate alongside Virgil van Dijk, the European player of the year, and will look to learn from the experience of playing alongside one of the best defenders in the world.
