Shockingly, the Netherlands squad omitted Matthijs de Ligt in the forthcoming world cup qualifications games. That Matthijs de Ligt–the very man that has been a rock in the center of the Manchester United defense this season. While the Dutch camp prepares for Malta and Finland, De Ligt will apparently be watching Netflix instead of defending Dutch pride.
According to sources, Ronald Koeman has gone with Virgil van Dijk (obviously), Micky van de Ven, Stefan de Vrij, and Jan Paul van Hecke. Not exactly a lineup that screams “Wall of Orange,” but here we are.
Matthijs de Ligt: From Undroppable to Uninvited
It’s hard to see what more the 25-year-old could’ve done. He’s started all six Premier League matches, won 60% of his duels, and tackled like his paycheck depends on it (which, let’s be honest, it does). His 88.6% passing accuracy might not make Pep Guardiola shed a tear, but his proactive defending surely should.
Meanwhile, Van de Ven and Van Hecke have been about as convincing as a bad sequel—fewer tackles, fewer interceptions, and yet, somehow, more faith from Koeman.
Author’s Opinion: A Risky Game of Football Roulette
Look, Koeman’s decision feels like one of those “trust the process” moments… except no one’s sure what the process is. Dropping Matthijs de Ligt is like telling your best employee to take a vacation during the company’s biggest presentation. Bold? Sure. Wise? Not quite.
According to sources, Koeman believes in “rotation.” Fair. But leaving out one of the Premier League’s standout defenders while relying on Van Hecke’s “potential” feels like swapping a Ferrari for a bicycle because it’s eco-friendly.
Matthijs de Ligt: Rested, Rejected, or Ready for Revenge, Omitting one of the greatest defenders in the premier league and substituting it with Van Hecke based on his potential is like replacing a Ferrari with a bicycle because it is eco friendly.
Matthijs de Ligt: Rested, Rejected or Ready to Revenge?
United fans won’t complain too loudly—they’ll take the rest over the risk of injury. But let’s be honest, De Ligt’s exclusion feels less like a tactical choice and more like a mystery waiting for an ESPN documentary.
If this decision backfires and the Netherlands stumble again, Koeman might just wish he had De Ligt’s calmness—and tackles—back in the lineup.
As featured on ManUNews.com
