fter his move to Barcelona stalled as he preferred Juventus, Matthijs de Ligt has gone to be a success since he joined the Turin giants last summer.
Michele Santoni, who had worked with the promising central defender in Amsterdam and thinks he will benefit more from a stay in Italy than in Spain
Ligt "would not have been better" if he had come to Barcelona, says former Ajax video analyst Santoni with Juventus and Italian football are considered the best choice for a promising Dutch defender.
Before the summer transfer window in 2019, a central defender awarded the Golden Boy was one of the most sought-after talents in European football.
The top clubs from all over the continent have risen to the top of the queue for a prized signature.
La Liga giants Barcelona were very much on this hunt, especially since they already had an agreement for De Ligt's close friend, Frenkie de Jong.
However, there should be no second Blaugrana deal with Ajax, as a high-level talent slipped through the Camp Nou net.
De Ligt decided that his future would be better served in Serie A, and Juventus hoped that the Dutch international would follow in the footsteps of some legendary defenders at the Old Lady.
The 20-year-old had a slow start in life in a new environment, but now he has found his feet and is considered to have made the right choice in snubbing Catalonia for Turin.
Speaking to Voetbal International of De Ligt’s decision as cited by Sports Central, Santoni, who has also worked at Inter in the past said: “When it comes to details (Maurizio) Sarri is king. “As a defender, he couldn't have made a better step. “Just look at the development of Stefan de Vrij. If you want to learn how to defend better, you have to be in Italy. I have no doubts about that. “Look, Barcelona is always calling in the Netherlands. Every top Dutch player has to go to Barcelona. That link is so easy to make, due to Johan Cruyff and the Dutch influences there. “But football in Italy is changing. It used to be more strategic with a lot of 0-0s, but now it is really enjoyable in some games.”
Santoni added: “Look at Atalanta, look at Inter with (Christian) Eriksen, (Lautaro) Martinez and (Romelu) Lukaku. You cannot say that is defensive. “I think we need five seasons of super fun football before the stereotype that Italian football is boring disappears. “That was an extra prejudice that De Ligt faced. In the Netherlands, Barcelona is still seen as a Valhalla, but this move is better for his development. “At Barcelona he would have defended one-on-one again. Then he would not have got any better. Barca would certainly have got better, but he wouldn't. “Now he is learning a whole new way of defending and he is a real defender.”
De Ligt has featured in all 33 appearances for Juventus this season, with it still possible for his debut campaign to end with Serie A title glory and a Champions League crown.
.
