Matthijs de Ligt is a physically strong centre-back who played as a midfielder during his time at Ajax's youth academy, but many of his idols were forwards. After spells at Juventus and Bayern Munich, the 26-year-old defender joined Manchester United after playing for four top European clubs during his career. He has shared the pitch with many world-class strikers. In an interview with Manchester United TV's "Idols" segment, Matthijs de Ligt revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo was his earliest idol, and that Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane are also role models he deeply respects.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Matthijs de Ligt's admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's greatest goalscorer, began when he watched the young Ronaldo wear a Manchester United shirt and help the team achieve the Premier League and Champions League double in the 2007/08 season.

"I was around 7 or 8 years old when Manchester United won the Champions League," the centre-back said. "At that time, Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly one of the world's top players in football.

Everyone tried to imitate his playing style.

So he was one of my early idols."

Eventually the two would play on the same team, though the dream was realised not at Manchester United but at Italian powerhouse Juventus.

They first played together in August 2019 in a match where Juventus beat Napoli 3-2. Afterwards, the two played together in 67 matches. Matthijs de Ligt even provided an assist to his idol in a Serie A match against Bologna, helping Cristiano Ronaldo score.

Christian Eriksen

Christian Eriksen, the former Manchester United midfielder, is like Matthijs de Ligt a product of Ajax's renowned youth academy, and their career paths share similar trajectories.

Due to their age difference, the two never played together in Ajax's first team. Christian Eriksen left the club three years before Matthijs de Ligt made his first-team debut. However, Matthijs de Ligt has always regarded the Danish midfielder as a mentor in his career.

"I also played as a midfielder when I was young, and Christian Eriksen played in exactly the same position," said Matthijs de Ligt, wearing the number 4 shirt. "So back then, he was a role model I deeply respected.

When he first emerged, everyone called him a rare talent the team hadn't seen in years. So I naturally studied his playing style.

Seeing myself in him and watching him gradually reach his current heights has been truly inspiring."

Matthijs de Ligt's career came full circle, and the two finally reunited at Manchester United, playing together in 23 matches during the 2024/25 season.

"I never thought I would later play alongside him," Matthijs de Ligt continued. "The same goes for Cristiano Ronaldo. Christian Eriksen was one of the most important role models when I was young."

Harry Kane

Regardless of career path or playing style on the pitch, it might be difficult to immediately connect England captain Harry Kane and Matthijs de Ligt.

However, the two spent one season together at Bayern Munich, which was Harry Kane's first season in the Bundesliga. That brief year together left a lasting impression on the Dutch defender.

About Harry Kane, captain of the Three Lions, Matthijs de Ligt said: "He made a deep impression on me.

His attitude to training, individual ability, and consistently high finishing are all impeccable.

Every time Harry shoots, he has a clear idea of what he wants to do, and whether with his left foot, right foot, or his head, he possesses incredible technique to precisely control the angle of his shots. His top-level positioning and supporting play are equally outstanding.

He is an almost complete all-round centre-forward. I have never seen such a refined striker before him."

AI翻訳。

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