UEFA Nations League: Netherlands 3-1 England - 5 Hits and Flops

#3 Hit - Matthijs de Ligt

De Ligt displayed tremendous character during the game

In many ways, this match propelled Matthijs de Ligt status to another level and it is fair to say so, even after he conceded an early penalty to give England the lead in the first half.

The 19-year-old Ajax captain started the game in uncharacteristic fashion, so much so that it felt like he went into a shell after lunging out and bringing down Marcus Rashford for the spot-kick, after he was slow to react to a pass from Marten de Roon.

If that was not insult, Jadon Sancho's perfectly executed nutmeg left De Ligt questioning his existence, as he scrambled back unsuccessfully to try and win back possession.

However, the game demanded the talented defender to step-up and he embraced the flaws from the first half, as he grew in confidence after the interval. Virgil van Dijk proved to be a soothing influence and the Liverpool star was as imperious as ever, but De Ligt made it a point to leave his mark on the game.

The Dutchman escaped his marker without a fuss to find the back of the net for Netherlands in the 72nd minute and kick-started, or rather head-started, the comeback for the Oranje.

De Ligt has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, with Barcelona and Manchester United believed to be leading the chase for him, and the performance against England added another feather to his cap, as he proved he will not wilt under the face of adversity.