Ten Hag Confident in Matthijs de Ligt’s Return to Form: "You Will See the Real De Ligt Soon"
Erik ten Hag, renowned for his candidness and tactical acumen, offered reassurance to fans and critics alike regarding Matthijs de Ligt’s current form. In a recent interview, Ten Hag shared his thoughts on the center-back’s challenging start to the season, emphasizing that supporters will soon witness the true quality of De Ligt once he regains full fitness and rhythm.
### **Pre-Season Setbacks Affecting De Ligt's Performance**
Reflecting on De Ligt’s preseason, Ten Hag acknowledged that the Dutch defender’s difficulties in recent games were largely due to an interrupted pre-season. *“He had a very difficult pre-season because he didn’t play,”* Ten Hag remarked, referring to how De Ligt was not able to consistently feature in pre-season games, which limited his match fitness ahead of the campaign.
*“His only start was the last game against Liverpool,”* Ten Hag noted, pointing out that the lack of game time meant De Ligt has yet to find his rhythm. For a player like De Ligt, who thrives on match sharpness and momentum, such disruptions can lead to sluggish performances, especially in the high-intensity environments that accompany Premier League and Champions League matches.
### **A Positive Outlook on De Ligt's Return to Form**
Despite these setbacks, Ten Hag remains confident that De Ligt will soon be back to his best. *“He’s not in a rhythm yet, but once he’s up to full speed, you will see a different quality,”* Ten Hag stated, reassuring fans that the towering defender’s top form is not far off. His message highlighted the need for patience and trust in De Ligt’s ability to bounce back.
De Ligt’s slow start is perhaps understandable, given the demanding nature of pre-season and the pressures of top-level football. Ten Hag’s calm and measured response reflects his belief in De Ligt’s talent and ability to adapt.
### **Expectations for De Ligt's Upcoming Performances**
At just 24 years old, De Ligt is still considered one of the most promising center-backs in world football. After his standout performances for Ajax under Ten Hag’s management, where he captained the team to a Champions League semi-final, expectations were high when De Ligt made his move to top European clubs. Now under Ten Hag again, the Dutch manager knows how to unlock the defender’s potential.
Given Ten Hag’s insight, it seems likely that De Ligt will be eased back into the starting lineup, with his fitness and form being carefully managed to ensure he can perform at his peak for the most important fixtures. Once back to full speed, fans can expect the De Ligt they have come to admire: dominant in the air, intelligent in positioning, and composed in ball-playing.
### **A Key Player in the Defensive Line**
With De Ligt approaching full fitness, his return will undoubtedly bolster the defensive line. His leadership qualities and physical presence will provide a significant boost, especially as he regains his rhythm. Ten Hag’s trust in De Ligt’s abilities suggests that he sees the defender as a crucial part of his plans moving forward.
The road to recovery may be gradual, but the signs are promising. Once fully fit, De Ligt will have the opportunity to prove why he is still regarded as one of the best young defenders in the game.
### **Patience and Trust in De Ligt's Process**
Erik ten Hag’s words serve as a reminder that form is often cyclical in football, and even the best players need time to regain their edge. As fans await De Ligt’s full return to form, it’s clear that the Dutchman will be given the support and time he needs to shine once more. When he does, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter for De Ligt, one where he reaffirms his position among football’s elite defenders.
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