Massimiliano Allegri reminded Matthijs de Ligt’s critics that Giorgio Chiellini also had his difficulties as a young man and is convinced that the Dutchman has a long future ahead of Juventus despite Mino Raiola encouraging speculation.
De Ligt joined Juve in the wake of Ajax’s unlikely journey to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-finals, in which he played a pivotal role in helping build movements from behind with his passing skills, but also demonstrating a dominant physical presence despite his tender age.
His 0.45 headers on goal every 90 minutes were the highest of all defenders in the competition to play at least 270 minutes that season, while only four of them improved his 4.2 aerial wins per game.
While De Ligt didn’t make the same use of his physicality at Juve, those strengths could lend themselves to a future in the Premier League, where he is thought to be admired by numerous clubs, with his agent Raiola suggesting on Saturday that the Dutchman may not see the rest of his contract, which will last until 2024, at Juve.
Raiola’s comments came after seeing De Ligt fall from last week’s 2-1 defeat to Napoli and playing just one of Holland’s three recent World Cup qualifiers, with the center-back still to convince. really from the signing two years ago.
The spotlight is on Juve’s defense ahead of Sunday’s clash with Milan, which they have suffered in each of their previous 17 league games, the third longest streak in the club’s history and the worst currently in the top five European leagues.
But Allegri seems to continue to believe in De Ligt, supporting him for a long future at Juve.
“I’ve said it before; De Ligt is 22 years old, he is very good, but when you arrive at Juve with an enthusiasm that overwhelms you, it is normal that you lose a bit of lucidity.
“When he was signed, someone described him as a future winner of the Ballon d’Or, but it takes peace of mind. He was a 20-year-old boy who arrived at Juventus, a shirt that weighs.
Chiellini at 20 was like De Ligt, or perhaps worse. Then at 28 he became a serious player.
“There is a path for everyone, players and coaches. De Ligt is still a young, good player, who can stay at Juve for many years, regardless of whether he plays one more game or one less ”.
