Matthijs de Ligt had a nightmare debut for Netherlands against Bulgaria last week but the Ajax rookie has spoken of his pride at earning his first cap.
- By Michael Bell
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The 17-year-old, who has only two starts for Ajax in the Eredivisie, was thrown into the deep end by Danny Blind against Bulgaria last weekend. De Ligt started in Sofia but made two early errors which resulted in two goals and was taken off at half-time in the 2-0 defeat.
Speaking to Ajax TV, De Ligt reflected on his difficult Oranje debut, “In recent weeks I’ve been through a lot. For me this is good as a young footballer to experience. I will take this in a backpack for later.
“It is not the debut which I hoped, but I’m very proud. It gives me motivation to continue. I will not linger on it for long. “