Rafael van der Vaart fears Matthijs de Ligt has lost his way since leaving Ajax, with the Manchester United star facing pressure to retain his first-team spot.
De Ligt‘s summer move to Old Trafford has been followed by a series of underwhelming performances, including a disappointing full debut against Liverpool and errors for the Netherlands in their recent internationals.
Van der Vaart believes De Ligt is in a “tough phase” of his career, struggling to recapture his elite form.
With Harry Maguire pushing for a starting role alongside Lisandro Martinez, De Ligt‘s place in the team is under threat.
Interestingly, Van der Vaart has praised Maguire’s resilience since losing the United captaincy, suggesting he could keep De Ligt out of the team as the season progresses.”
‘I’m a big fan of him and his qualities but I also have to be honest. When he left Ajax, he has never been the same.’
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I think his career is a little bit stuck. I was there yesterday [for the Netherlands vs Germany game] and he made mistakes again and when you’re not in a good flow,
every fault results in a goal. Every mistake leads to a chance.
‘I think he was also a bit unlucky so I still believe in his quality so I hope with ten Hag he can get his confidence back because at,
the end of the day, it is all about confidence. He is still a young guy, playing for a big club.
‘He has shown he can recover. His first few games for Ajax and his first game for the national team he made a big mistake but recovered.
Normally it is no problem. But now, it is already a long time he is not playing well. But quality-wise he is still a great defender.’
‘I think de Ligt plays ahead of him.’
‘As a new player you would expect him to start but at the end of the day you have to play well. If he continues like this Harry is going to take his chance again.
‘I have to say, Harry also played some really good games lately. I think Matthijs will feel the pressure. I think he [Maguire] still has a big role to play.
I was someone who said some bad things about his quality because at the time it was too much money for a normal player.
‘He had some really bad games and made some big mistakes but mentally wise he has been really strong.
He always came back strong last season, he has a really strong mind and I think he’s happy there. They [the staff] love him there so I think he will get his chances.’
Manchester United will travel to face Southampton in an early kickoff this weekend, as Erik ten Hag‘s men seek a winning bounce-back from their recent loss to Liverpool.
