The head coach of the Netherlands national team, Ronald Koeman, claims that after the season, Matthijs de Ligt must leave the ranks of Amsterdam's Ajax in order to reach his full potential.
There is almost no doubt that the 19-year-old center-back will move on to a higher level team after the season. According to media reports, almost all of Europe's top clubs are vying for his signature.
According to R. Koeman, M. de Ligt can become one of the best players in his position, but he needs to play high-level matches week in and week out.
"It is obvious that a player of Matthijs' caliber will eventually have to make a decision about his next career step," said R. Koeman.
"If he does leave, it will be to move to a higher level. However, it is very unfortunate that promising players are leaving the Netherlands at a younger age.
"I spoke with de Ligt and he told me that he does not feel satisfied enough playing in the Dutch championship. One day you debut in the UEFA Champions League, and the next you are heading to an away match against 'Excelsior' on an artificial pitch," added the legendary Dutch footballer and coach.
It is believed that M. de Ligt will cost around 70 million euros for clubs in the summer.
