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Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic has heaped reward on Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch defender has come into his personal this season after a combined 2024/25 marketing campaign.
De Ligt arrived at Outdated Trafford from Bayern Munich in the summertime of 2024. A former Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy winner, the Ajax academy product was included within the Champions League Crew of the Yr in 2019.
The Dutchman left the Johan Cruyff Area that summer season to maneuver to Juventus, earlier than becoming a member of Bayern Munich in 2022. Nonetheless, together with his profession failing to pan out as anticipated, the Purple Devils had been introduced with the prospect to safe De Ligt’s signature final yr.
It was a suggestion that the Premier League giants took with each palms, and as issues stand, their resolution has already been vindicated.
A rock on the again this season
De Ligt was a part of the crew that struggled final season, ending fifteenth within the Premier League desk and shedding the Europa League last 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur. Nonetheless, with a full pre-season behind him, the 26 yr outdated seems again to his greatest.
Till the draw in opposition to West Ham United, De Ligt had performed each minute of each Premier League recreation for United this season. He has successfully relegated Harry Maguire to the bench, marshalling the defence from the central centre-back place.
Matthijs de Ligt Premier League Stats: 2025/26 Season
MetricValue
Appearances13
Goals1
Goals1
Anticipated Objectives (xG)1.46
Anticipated Assists (xA)0.77
Photographs on Goal (Contained in the Field)5
Touches in Opposition Box18
Crosses (Accomplished %)5 (80%)
Passes (Accomplished %)612 (88%)
Lengthy Passes (Accomplished %)44 (48%)
Minutes Played1,170
Dribbles (Accomplished %)2 (50%)
Duels Won74
Aerial Duels Won50
Whole Tackles19
Interceptions15
Blocks7
Purple Cards0
Yellow Cards0
Fouls6
Supply: Premier League web site.
It’s no marvel, then, that the Dutchman was adjudged the membership’s Participant of the Month for November. He’s additionally the primary defender to win the award since Noussair Mazraoui a yr in the past.
De Ligt’s performances have now drawn reward from two-time Premier League Participant of the Yr Nemanja Vidic.
Vidic hails De Ligt
Talking on CBS Sports activities Golazo, Vidic harassed the significance of an excellent backline in a crew’s success.
“I actually imagine that the defenders convey the trophies as a result of should you take a look at the statistics previously 10, 15, 20 years, you will notice that the crew that concede the least targets win the trophies,” stated Vidic.
“I believe that’s vital. I believe this season, Man United, some video games they play nicely on the again, however in some video games, they concede a number of targets.”
The Serbian defender went on to call De Ligt because the membership’s greatest defender this season.
“So, should you take a look at [it] statistically, you’ll say that we nonetheless concede too many targets, however I agree that some gamers improved their recreation and [are] then taking part in this season a lot better,” stated Vidic.
“De Ligt is, I believe, the most effective participant on the again for Man United. So, I believe consistency is the important thing. If you wish to play for Man United, you need to carry out week in, week out. , you can’t afford to have one good recreation and two unhealthy video games.”
Vidic solid a rock-solid partnership with Rio Ferdinand throughout their time collectively at Outdated Trafford and was a part of the backline that helped Edwin van der Sar go a document 1,311 minutes with out conceding a aim. As such, the previous United skipper’s endorsement underlines how vital De Ligt has been for the Purple Devils this season.
Closing Ideas
Amorim has already confirmed that De Ligt will miss Monday’s Premier League fixture with a knock. The Dutchman’s absence may very well be an enormous blow for United, particularly with Maguire additionally sidelined by means of harm.
In the meantime, with the Englishman out of contract on the finish of this season and already in his thirties, De Ligt seems like the brand new chief on the again for United. If the Dutchman continues his present kind, he may play a key function within the Purple Devils’ return to their glory days.
Featured picture Michael Regan through Getty Pictures
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