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Marco van Basten did not like Matthijs de Ligt’s performance on Thursday, despite the Netherlands’ victory over Austria.
The former striker saw issues with the way the center-back left space, which could be exploited by better forwards.
“De Ligt is a center-back and he needs to lead more,” Van Basten told NOS.
“He must be heard, he must assert himself. Because he has to lead the defense.
“He just goes after his man and leaves a hole open. De Ligt went to Italy to learn how to defend, but I don’t think he learned much there. And I say that because of times like this one.”
Van Basten was referring to how Marcel Sabitzer was able to find space, as De Ligt was too busy with Michael Gregoritsch.
“If you look at how often [Maarten] Stekelenburg has to play the long ball and therefore cannot build [up the play], this is not a positive thing, “added Van Basten.
“It’s fifty-fifty for each team and it becomes kind of a rambling game. I think if you’re the dominant player you need to have more vision and control from the back to be able to play forward. Then you can dominate the game, but I haven’t seen it yet. “
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