UEFA Champions League 2018/2019: 5 U-23 stars to watch out for

#4 Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax Amsterdam)

De

Ligt

is one of the defenders to watch this season

He is undoubtedly one of the best young defenders in world football today. De Ligt has been on the radar for a lot of big teams in Europe. This edition of the UEFA Champions League looks to be an audition for him.

His rise has been meteoric since he made his debut in 2016. He is now an established starter for both club and national team; Oranje of Netherlands.

The 19-year-old is accomplished passer of the ball. Despite his young age, managers have entrusted him with the responsibility of playing out from the back. This responsibility is one he has taken on and delivered brilliantly.

For a modern defender, passing is important. However, tackling and intercepting the ball are also very important elements of a centre-back’s game. These are aspects that De Ligt has also excelled at.

As is the case with many young defenders, De Ligt’s judgment could use some work. Sometimes, he tends to misjudge the timing of tackles and long passes over the top which have led to goals on some occasions. However, these are normal for a young defender and he will get better as he gains more experience.

He was an ever-present for de Godenzonen (Sons of the Gods) last season as Ajax finished second in the Eredivisie. He will play a key role as Ajax seeks to navigate a not-so-bad Group E (includes Bayern Munich, Benfica, and AEK Athens).

This will be his debut UCL appearance; big things are expected from him.