Juve, De Ligt: “I never regretted coming here. How lucky to play with Bonucci”

“I have always thought that this was the best place for me and I have never regretted choosing Juventus.” Words by Matthijs De Ligt. The 21-year-old Dutch defender, who arrived in Turin from Ajax in July 2019 for 75 million euros, told Athletic about his first year and a half with Juventus, a year and a half characterized by a difficult phase at the beginning and by a shoulder injury. But now the Dutchman is confirmed as one of the strengths of Pirlo’s team.

The example of Bonucci and Chiellini

–

“For a defender – explains De Ligt – it is always a great challenge to test oneself as a foreigner in the Italian league, but I love big challenges”. The Dutchman, who scored with Juve at the Stadium two years ago in the Champions League quarterfinals and thus eliminated his future team, talks about his teammates Bonucci and Chiellini: “I am very lucky to play with the same players I would see On TV if I was a young defender who has to learn this role. Bonucci – his explanation – is very good in the set-up phase and that’s why I talk to him a lot and ask him what he does. The same thing happens with Chiellini, very good at scoring, I also try to learn from him “.

Van Dijk

–

Even in Holland there is no lack of examples. “I also play with Van Dijk on the national team. In the end, however, it is important to form your own style of play and not start to imitate someone. It is just a matter of continually trying and improving.”