Matthijs de Ligt struggles in Netherlands vs Germany match

Matthijs de Ligt faced significant challenges during the Netherlands' recent match against Germany, where he was substituted at half-time after a poor performance. The Dutch national team was leading 1-0 when De Ligt made a critical error by giving the ball away in his own half, allowing Deniz Undav to score and equalize. His struggles continued as he failed to adequately defend against Germany's second goal, leading to a 2-1 deficit at halftime. Coach Ronald Koeman felt compelled to protect De Ligt by replacing him with Jan-Paul van Hecke, citing the defender's ongoing difficulties and the need to shield him from further criticism. Despite De Ligt's hopes for redemption following a disappointing display against Bosnia and Herzegovina, his performance against Germany was met with harsh criticism. The German media outlet BILD rated him poorly, giving him a five out of six, indicating a lackluster showing. De Ligt himself acknowledged his mistakes, expressing confusion over his performance and admitting he should have cleared the ball better during the second goal. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, but De Ligt's struggles have raised concerns about his form since transferring to Manchester United for £38.5 million. His recent performances have not only affected his confidence but also the team's overall performance, as they have struggled in the Premier League with two losses in their first three matches. Koeman's decision to substitute De Ligt reflects a broader concern for the player's mental state and the impact of repeated mistakes on his career. The coach's protective approach highlights the challenges faced by players under pressure, especially in high-stakes international matches.