Matthijs de Ligt, defender of Bayern Munich, spoke in the lead-up to the match that this evening will pit his team against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. Here are the statements reported by UEFA.com: “What is increasingly important as a defender, and which no one sees, is when to retreat or advance, when to enter a duel or stay out of it, to think about what space I leave open if I run away. These are things that the fans don’t see but that they’re really important, and good defenders notice that. I think I’ve made a lot of progress in this area.”
De Ligt continues, indicating a model in particular: “I always looked at Sergio Ramos: he was always very aggressive but at the same time calm. It may seem strange, but you can be aggressive and calm at the same time and be in control of the situation. I had the feeling that he was always in control of the situation in important matches. He always impressed me a lot.”
So the former Ajax and Juventus defender also has some nice words for his goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer: “I think he is one of the best goalkeepers of all time, not only in terms of his role, but also the way he plays outside the penalty area. He is 38 years old and still incredibly good. You often see goalkeepers who They know how to play football well but aren’t as good in goal, or who are great goalkeepers but don’t know how to play as well. He is truly complete and the best in everything. He is truly special. his calmness, his strength, his football skills and his goalkeeping skills, it’s huge.”