Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman downplayed the significance of Matthijs de Ligt’s mistakes during their 5-2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Despite the Dutch conceding twice due to errors by De Ligt, they managed to secure all three points in Eindhoven.
Manchester United defender De Ligt’s teammates, Joshua Zirkzee and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, were among the scorers.
Bosnia and Herzegovina equalized through Ermedin Demirovic, who took advantage of some questionable defending by De Ligt, including a lapse in positioning that played Demirovic onside.
De Ligt was also caught ball-watching for Bosnia’s second goal, allowing Edin Dzeko to score and make it 3-2, which led to a tense finish for the Netherlands.
However, Ronald Koeman chose to focus on the contributions of other players and defended De Ligt’s performance.
He said: “Xavi Simons should have done better. He was marking their left midfielder and suddenly walked away from him. Of course, the centre-backs are positioning themselves wrong too.”
Quizzed specifically on De Ligt’s personal display the Dutch boss added: “He himself realises that he was in the wrong position.
“This should not happen, but mistakes are part of football.
“I think it is unfair to make a big deal out of it.”
The defender did own his mistakes as he said: “I think you know how I feel.. we won.. but then comes the individual part..
“I should have done better at their second goal, and I know that.
“I don’t really know what happened..
“I should have cleared the ball but I kept having doubts during the play.
“It’s just f****d.”
He also added: “If this game is a missed opportunity for me? I don’t know..
“I just try to do my best.”
Matthijs de Ligt is determined to recapture the promise he demonstrated during his time at Ajax, where he played a pivotal role in their run to the Champions League semi-finals.
His performances at Ajax drew interest from top European clubs, but his subsequent stints at Juventus and Bayern Munich have not lived up to expectations.
Now reunited with Erik ten Hag, the coach under whom he flourished at Ajax, De Ligt has joined Manchester United.
However, his impact so far has been limited.
He experienced a setback in his only start, with Manchester United suffering a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in their last match before the international break.
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