Koeman: De Ligt deserving of Netherlands recall after Man Utd displays

Ronald Koeman believes Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt is deserving of his recall to the Netherlands squad after his recent displays for Ruben Amorim’s side.

De Ligt has replaced Inter’s Stefan de Vrij for the Netherlands’ final two World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania this month, and he will be keen to make his mark.

The 26-year-old has been a key part of the Red Devils’ revival in the Premier League this season, starting all 11 of his team’s top-flight fixtures so far in 2025-26.

Indeed, no player has won more aerial duels (40), made more clearances (59) or made more blocks (six) than De Ligt for United in the Premier League this campaign.

He was also on target with a 96th-minute equaliser against Tottenham on Saturday, a result that has lifted Amorim’s men up to seventh in the league table after 11 matches.

“Partly, it is based on playing time. Although Nathan Ake isn’t playing 50% of the [Manchester City] matches, he’s part of this squad,” Koeman explained.

“You decide separately for each player in the squad. I felt I should select Matthijs based on what he was showing. He’s been through a difficult period.

“I’ve spoken to him and told him he didn’t look confident in his actions, but now that’s better. And his position at the club and the club’s performance will always be important.”

Presenting our squad for the final World Cup Qualifiers!

Welcome, Luciano! #NothingLikeOranje #POLNED #NEDLTU pic.twitter.com/ZNTRmbnxOg

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 7, 2025

Koeman’s team are top of Group G and know a victory at Stadion Narodowy against Poland will seal their spot at next year’s World Cup.

And the Netherlands will be confident of sealing their spot at FIFA’s flagship tournament that takes place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

That is because they are unbeaten in their last 14 meetings with Poland, last tasting defeat against them in May 1979 in a 2-0 loss at Stadion Slaski.

As for City defender Ake, Koeman said the fact he was left-footed helped balance the number of right-footed defenders in the squad.

“Nathan himself is also concerned about the fact that he doesn’t play much. He is one of my captains, though,” Koeman added.

“He’s a left-footed player, while we generally have a lot of right-footed central defenders. That makes all the difference having him in the squad.

“He’s an important player who has always been there when I’ve needed him.”