Featured Image Credit: Getty & UEFA & NOS
Topics: Manchester United, Matthijs De Ligt, Netherlands, Ronald Koeman, UEFA Nations League, Football
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Manchester United, Matthijs De Ligt, Netherlands, Ronald Koeman, UEFA Nations League, Football
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has been forced to defend Matthijs de Ligt after the Manchester United defender made several errors in his nation's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Dutch began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 5-2 victory over Bosnia on Saturday, although De Ligt's individual performance has come under scrutiny.
The 25-year-old, who joined United in a £42.9m move from Juventus this summer, was arguably at fault for both of Bosnia's goals.
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His positioning for Ermedin Demirovic's first goal has been called into question, with the Netherlands defender playing his opponent onside.
De Ligt was later caught ball-watching for Bosnia's second goal, allowing Edin Dzeko to make it 3-2 – setting up a nervy finish before Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons sealed victory late on.
Speaking after the final whistle, De Ligt told Dutch outlet NOS: "I think you know how I feel. We won.. but then comes the individual part.
"I should have done better at their second goal, and I know that. I don't really know what happened.
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"I should have cleared the ball but I kept having doubts during the play. It's just f****d.
"If this game is a missed opportunity for me? I don't know, I just try to do my best."
Reflecting on De Ligt's poor individual performance, Netherlands boss Koeman said it was important to put it into perspective.
"He himself realises that he was in the wrong position. This should not happen, but mistakes are part of football," said Koeman.
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"I think it is unfair to make a big deal out of it."
De Ligt claimed his lack of match action in recent months was partly responsible for his error before Bosnia's second goal.
"What I'm saying is, I'm just doing my best," De Ligt added.
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"I also know that there are times when I can do better. It's also been a long time since I played 90 minutes. If I have to name something, I'm most satisfied with that.
"That second goal where I can't get my footing, I know from myself – the more matches I play, the better my footwork gets.
"That is of course no excuse at all and I don’t want to use it at all. But in my head I know that I will do better next time."
De Ligt will have to bounce back quickly with the Netherlands travelling to face rivals Germany on Tuesday.