Rio Ferdinand has been singing the praises of Matthijs de Ligt following the Manchester United defender’s brilliant start to the season.
Rio Ferdinand is widely considered one of the best Premier League centre-backs of all time.
Under Sir Alex Ferguson, the Englishman won six league titles, two League Cup trophies, the Champions League, and five other team accolades, as well as being included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year on six occasions.
So, when the former Manchester United defender spots a brilliant defensive talent, many listen. Ferdinand has sung the praises of 19-year-old Leny Yoro on many occasions, but in recent weeks, he has also been quick to single out Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch centre-back is the only player to have played every single Premier League minute under Rúben Amorim this season, and capped off his fantastic performances with a last-minute equalising goal against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Ferdinand praises three De Ligt attributes
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand further elaborated on why he believes the 26-year-old has been so effective for United, highlighting the player’s aggressiveness, composure, and clearance as outstanding attributes.
“I think Matthijs de Ligt has been our best defender this season; he’s been outstanding for us,” the 47-year-old said.
“He’s even adding goals – with the last-minute one the other day [vs Tottenham].
“His pressing, his assertiveness and his willingness to go into foreign areas up the pitch to defend at the right times has been good. Clearing out of the box, he has been brilliant.”
Amorim feels De Ligt is going to get even better
Ferdinand is not the only one who feels De Ligt has improved, but the United head coach has also been singing the Netherlands international’s praises in the last few weeks.
With Ferdinand praising three of De Ligt’s current positive attributes, Amorim went a step further and explained he feels the central defender can become even better with his passing out of the back, but is currently playing a more risk-averse style of football.
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“He is doing really well, really aggressive,” Amorim told the press after United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham. “I think he has more quality with the ball than he is showing.
“He is still not wanting to make mistakes. Smart. But when we reach a very good point, our three centre-backs will control tempo and quality of game.”
If De Ligt can stay fit throughout what looks set to be a positive set of fixtures across December and January, he could play a huge part in getting United up the table and into Champions League spots.
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