Red Devil’s defender Matthijs de Ligt says he is finally stepping into the best years of his football career and Manchester United fans are starting to see it too. Softfootball reports that the 26-year-old Dutch defender believes he’s entering his prime, even though most centre-backs tend to peak around 29 to 31.
In a chat quoted by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, De Ligt said he feels mentally and physically good. and believes he now has the right Level of experience to perform at the highest level, He added that the mix of physical readiness and mental maturity has made him sharper than ever, especially in what he called the toughest league in the world.
He Said:
Matthijs de Ligt: I’m feeling that I’m coming into my prime age now, even the beginning, I think. I think as a defender, normally around 29, 30, 31, you’re at your best. And I’m now 26
His recent performance in Manchester United’s 2-1 win at Anfield that helped his team secure their first victory there since 2016 summed it all up. Playing on the right side of Amorim’s back three, he made five tackles, two ground duels won, one key clearance, and had an 86.5% pass accuracy. Liverpool had chances worth 2.75 xG but couldn’t break him. Despite not participating in the last international break as the Netherlands defeated Finland 4-nil, de Ligt will be planning to contribute with the Netherlands at the 2026 world cup.
The stats back his claim too; he is now averaging 1.36 tackles and 5.25 clearances per 90 minutes, up from his famous Ajax breakout season. Fans are starting to whisper that the old De Ligt is back.
United currently sit ninth in the Premier League, but if De Ligt keeps this form, he could be the rock that drives them back up the table, just maybe, back to where they belong.
