Matthijs de Ligt has become Juventus‘ defensive leader and stats highlight that only twice a player has completed a dribble past the Netherlands international in Serie A this season.
The 22-year-old has been the only natural centre-back available for Massimiliano Allegri in many games in 2022. Giorgio Chiellini has only played five games in the new year. Leonardo Bonucci has managed three, while Daniele Rugani has played eight games since the start of January.
Juventus have conceded just ten goals since the start of November, the same as Inter. Only Real Madrid have a better defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues, with nine goals conceded in the process.
De Ligt has played 31 games across all competitions this term (23 in Serie A) and Opta highlights an impressive stat regarding the 22-year-old. Only twice a player has completed a dribble past him since the start of the season, less than any other defender with more than 15 games in Serie A this term.
De Ligt is the highest earner in Turin with an €8m-a-year salary plus €4m add-ons. The former Ajax man’s deal in Turin expires in June 2024 and from next summer, he’ll have a €125m release clause included in his contract.
2 – Tra i difensori con piú di 15 presenze in questa Serie A, Matthijs de Ligt è quello che è stato saltato meno volte in dribbling (solo 2 in 23 gare giocate). Maciste. pic.twitter.com/fKVB26cKbz
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) March 8, 2022
´De Ligt is anything but a great defender. He is good, but that’s it. Commit lots of silly mistakes even if he is usually joined in defense by elite players like Chiellini or Bonucci. I cannot understand how this guy makes 8m a year, and was bought like a superstar
With De Ligt as the leader and because of Chiellini and Bonucci’s ages, Juventus should play with a 3 defense system. Rugani (right), De Ligt (center) and Romagnolli (left).