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Manchester United star Matthijs de Ligt believes a shift in his mental approach has led to his upturn in form this season under Ruben Amorim.
De Ligt is the only player to have played every minute in the Premier League for Man United this season.
The 26-year-old has earned praise for his impressive performances, with suggestions that the Dutch defender has been their player of the season to date.
De Ligt earned headlines last weekend by scoring Man United’s stoppage time equalizer to earn a 2-2 draw against Tottenham before the international break.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the former Ajax, Bayern Munich and Juventus defender pinpointed a change in his mentality when considering his improved form.
He admitted being in the spotlight from a young age, having been made Ajax captain at 18, had made it ‘difficult not to go along’ with criticism when he had made mistakes.
Matthijs de Ligt believes a change in his mindset has contributed to his upturn in form
De Ligt has played every minute in the Premier League for Man United this season and scored their stoppage time equalizer to earn a 2-2 draw at Tottenham before the international window
‘I’m someone who thinks a lot and especially when I get a lot of criticism,’ De Ligt said.
‘Then I did things differently than usual.
‘My mindset has changed from not making mistakes to doing as many things as possible. I’m now at an age where I know what works for me and what doesn’t.’
De Ligt’s form has led to a recall to the Netherlands’ squad ahead of their final World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania.
He admitted disappointed at being left out by Ronald Koeman for last month’s qualifiers against Malta and Finland.
De Ligt pointed to the depth of the Netherlands’ defensive options which includes Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven and Jurrien Timber, highlighting the need to maintain form to remain in the squad.
‘Yes, of course something like that affects you (being left out), but then I immediately think, “come on”, you know?’ De Ligt said.
De Ligt’s form has earned him a recall to the Netherlands squad for their World Cup qualifiers
I’m used to a lot in football. So I wouldn’t necessarily call the decision harsh.
I’m just trying to look at myself and stay true to myself. And by continuing on the good path I’ve been on this season, I’ve now been selected again.
‘What’s very clear is that we have a lot of competition at the back right now, and you have to be at your absolute best to be in the squad.’
The Netherlands can seal their World Cup place against Poland this evening, with Koeman’s side currently three points clear of their nearest rivals and boasting a vastly superior goal difference.
