Ronald Koeman believes Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt is deserving of his recall to the Netherlands squad after his recent displays for Ruben Amorim's side.
De Ligt has replaced Inter's Stefan de Vrij for the Netherlands' final two World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania this month, and he will be keen to make his mark.
The 26-year-old has been a key part of the Red Devils' revival in the Premier League this season, starting all 11 of his team's top-flight fixtures so far in 2025-26.
Indeed, no player has won more aerial duels (40), made more clearances (59) or made more blocks (six) than De Ligt for United in the Premier League this campaign.
He was also on target with a 96th-minute equaliser against Tottenham on Saturday, a result that has lifted Amorim's men up to seventh in the league table after 11 matches.
"Partly, it is based on playing time. Although Nathan Ake isn't playing 50% of the [Manchester City] matches, he's part of this squad," Koeman explained.
"You decide separately for each player in the squad. I felt I should select Matthijs based on what he was showing. He's been through a difficult period.
"I've spoken to him and told him he didn't look confident in his actions, but now that's better. And his position at the club and the club's performance will always be important."
Koeman's team are top of Group G and know a victory at Stadion Narodowy against Poland will seal their spot at next year's World Cup.
And the Netherlands will be confident of sealing their spot at FIFA's flagship tournament that takes place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
That is because they are unbeaten in their last 14 meetings with Poland, last tasting defeat against them in May 1979 in a 2-0 loss at Stadion Slaski.
As for City defender Ake, Koeman said the fact he was left-footed helped balance the number of right-footed defenders in the squad.
"Nathan himself is also concerned about the fact that he doesn't play much. He is one of my captains, though," Koeman added.
"He's a left-footed player, while we generally have a lot of right-footed central defenders. That makes all the difference having him in the squad.
"He's an important player who has always been there when I've needed him."
Olilatonny95
0
why wishing someone bad lucky 😏
unfortunately you're seeing it as a wish Cos you've never followed him closely
Fumklnpru
1
how's ake there
vuaabdipu
0
Yeah, he deserves the call-up But in the past, he should've joined Barcelona or Real Madrid instead of Juve
SMHellas
1
Should never have been dropped
cekaciopsy
0
He was responsible for the first goal scored by Tel then he left Richarlison unmarked to score Tottenham second goal
I don’t think if u’ve appriciated before in your life
cekaciopsy
1
He was responsible for the first goal scored by Tel then he left Richarlison unmarked to score Tottenham second goal
U’re the last fool in this world
GaddafiJamal
0
Who is this mumu here ,try buy sense if u don’t have one ,I no this is all this new born babies 👶 that just start to watch ball newly
🤣🤣
Ritcdikmnr
0
1. VERBRUGGEN 2. TUMBER 3. DE LIGHT 4. VAN DIJK 5. AKE 6. GRAVENBERCH 7. SIMOMS 8. TIMBER 9. BROBERY 10. MEMPHIS 11. GAKPO 12. FLEKKEN 13. HATO 14. REIJNDERS 15. VAN DE VEN 16. SCHOUTEN 17. MALEN 19. KUIVERT 20. LANG 21. DE JONG 22. DUMFRIES 23. VAN HECKE 24. HARTMAN 25.VALENTE 26. WEGHOST
kapiknpst
1
win
Nnaemekamike
0
One goal scored and conceded 18 goals. It doesn't justify, to play for national team. He was sold by both Bayern and PSG, respectively due to he his lacking in defensively. His stint at this wasn't going enough. He is not that good... If Holland deploy him, it's going to be disastrous out come.
Who is this mumu here ,try buy sense if u don’t have one ,I no this is all this new born babies 👶 that just start to watch ball newly
LaProe88
0
One goal scored and conceded 18 goals. It doesn't justify, to play for national team. He was sold by both Bayern and PSG, respectively due to he his lacking in defensively. His stint at this wasn't going enough. He is not that good... If Holland deploy him, it's going to be disastrous out come.
Liverpool fan
Yoocdkmou
1
But my worry is that when De Light is on form like that, just know it's injury pushing him to play well so everytime he gains form, injury comes in. so his playing time should be managed well both at the club and in his country
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why wishing someone bad lucky 😏
wobabcdnyz
0
One goal scored and conceded 18 goals. It doesn't justify, to play for national team. He was sold by both Bayern and PSG, respectively due to he his lacking in defensively. His stint at this wasn't going enough. He is not that good... If Holland deploy him, it's going to be disastrous out come.
Did Start watching games yesterday
pecadeptu
2
One goal scored and conceded 18 goals. It doesn't justify, to play for national team. He was sold by both Bayern and PSG, respectively due to he his lacking in defensively. His stint at this wasn't going enough. He is not that good... If Holland deploy him, it's going to be disastrous out come.
Mugu he didn’t play for psg rather juventus, hater
pecadeptu
2
I hope you don’t give him injury
denadintuz
0
One goal scored and conceded 18 goals. It doesn't justify, to play for national team. He was sold by both Bayern and PSG, respectively due to he his lacking in defensively. His stint at this wasn't going enough. He is not that good... If Holland deploy him, it's going to be disastrous out come.
AdrianShion
0
van de ven and de ligt ☠️
Liverpool fans will curse you for this
Soccpstuz
0
please man utd. clubs dont use. luck shaw boy over lost boy lucky. shaw
lbcrna
2
He was responsible for the first goal scored by Tel then he left Richarlison unmarked to score Tottenham second goal
akshayyy
2
van de ven and de ligt ☠️
Olilatonny95
2
But my worry is that when De Light is on form like that, just know it's injury pushing him to play well so everytime he gains form, injury comes in. so his playing time should be managed well both at the club and in his country