Ronald de Boer was “surprised” that Matthijs de Ligt chose Juventus ahead of Barcelona or Manchester City, but is confident it’ll make him a better defender.
The former Ajax youth team coach watched De Ligt grow up – literally.
“I was in the Ajax Academy and immediately liked his character: serious, intelligent, polite, he never complained, just worked hard and was eager to learn,” De Boer told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Ronald de Boer was “surprised” that Matthijs de Ligt chose Juventus ahead of Barcelona or Manchester City, but is confident it’ll make him a better defender.
The former Ajax youth team coach watched De Ligt grow up – literally.
“I was in the Ajax Academy and immediately liked his character: serious, intelligent, polite, he never complained, just worked hard and was eager to learn,” De Boer told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I remember he was in the Under-14 squad and when he returned for the next season, he had grown by 30 centimetres. He’s always had the qualities of a great defender, understanding where the danger is coming from.
“De Ligt will be one of the best defenders of this era, I am sure of it. He reminds me of Ruud Krol.”
The transfer to Juventus came after a bidding war with huge European clubs and De Boer did not expect this outcome.
“I was surprised, because there were clubs interested who had a more similar tactical system to Ajax, such as Manchester City and Barcelona. It would’ve been easier for him to adapt there.
“I thought he would make a different choice, but I respect his decision. At the start, he focused a little too much on over-thinking things, trying not to make mistakes, rather than trusting in his own talent.”