Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt accepts ‘nothing is easy’ in Italy after being crowned Dutch Footballer of the Year for 2019.
De Ligt captained Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals last season and helped Netherlands reach the Nations League Final, despite only being 19 at the time.
“I’m proud to have won the award for my performances as a 19-year-old, even though I’m now 20,” he told De Telegraaf.
"I know the likes of Cruyff, Koeman, Van Basten and Gullit, but unfortunately I never saw them play live.
Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt accepts ‘nothing is easy’ in Italy after being crowned Dutch Footballer of the Year for 2019.
De Ligt captained Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals last season and helped Netherlands reach the Nations League Final, despite only being 19 at the time.
“I’m proud to have won the award for my performances as a 19-year-old, even though I’m now 20,” he told De Telegraaf.
"I know the likes of Cruyff, Koeman, Van Basten and Gullit, but unfortunately I never saw them play live.
“I find it more special to succeed Jan Vertonghen. As a No 4, he was my example at Ajax and I still talk to him often.”
The centre-back moved to Juve over the summer but has been thrust into their starting XI after Giorgio Chiellini damaged knee ligaments.
“It may seem negative, but in Italy, compared to the Netherlands, we think more individually.
“For each player, what they need and how they can become even better are identified. A customised programme is drawn up for you.
“I’m in a new country and I know that nothing is easy. This trophy testifies to the new generation of Dutch football.
“Koeman, Van Persie, Robben and Van Gaal are the old generation and I hope to give football what they gave it.
“I’ll work hard to succeed in Italy.”