Ronald Koeman reveals why Man Utd star Matthjis de Ligt was left out of Dutch squad
De Ligt has played every minute for United this season (Picture: Getty)
Ronald Koeman has explained why he decided not to call upon in-form Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt for Netherlands’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Dutch take on Malta and Finland on Thursday and Sunday respectively but de Ligt will remain in Manchester having been left out of the latest squad.
De Ligt has been ever-present in United’s starting XI this season, playing the full 90 minutes in every game having established himself as a leading presence in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
The former Ajax and Juventus star has enjoyed an fine start to the season and with a trip to Liverpool looming after the international break, United fans perhaps won’t mind too much if their best defender is left safe and sound back at Carrington.
Quizzed on the decision, Netherlands boss Koeman explained de Ligt asked for reasons why he was not part of the group.
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‘That sometimes gives me pain in my head, from the central defenders that I sometimes have to drop,’ Koeman said.
‘That’s the least fun part of my job. I have a lot of contact with Matthijs, he is also a boy who asks for feedback, what he has to do to be there.’
Koeman left de Ligt back in Manchester (Picture: Getty Images)
De Ligt will remain in Manchester along with countryman Joshua Zirkzee, another left out of the squad having struggled for game time this season.
Explaining some of his decisions, Koeman admitted he was reluctant to call upon players who have not managed much first-team football this season.
Nathan Ake appeared to the exception however, making the squad despite failing to start a single league game for Manchester City.
Nathan Ake has not started a league game for City this season (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Joshua Zirkzee? He’s not playing at all at the moment. The same goes for [Sunderland striker] Brian Brobbey,’ Koeman said.
‘Although there are some players who aren’t playing much right now, like Nathan Aké.
‘You also look at their position within a team. But Nathan knows, and we’ve talked about this before, that his situation needs to change.
‘If you’re part of the Dutch national team, you also need to have rhythm.’
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