Matthijs de Ligt is most talented newcomer in Dutch football
Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt has been chosen as most talented newcomer in the Dutch Eredivisie this season and wins the Johan Cruijff Prize.
The 18-year-old may also choose where to situate a Cruyff Court – an urban football pitch paid for by the charity set up by the late Johan Cruijff.
Last year’s winner was team mate Kasper Dolberg.
The 13-man jury for the competition is made up of Jordi Cruijff and a string of Dutch football names incuding Philip Cocu, Frank Rijkaart and Pierre van Hooijdonk.
De Ligt has a contract with Ajax until 2021 but according to the Telegraaf, has told the club he wants to leave early following this year’s disappointing season for the Amsterdammers.
The paper says Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Barcelona are all after the young player.
His departure would be a major blow to Ajax, which sees him as central to next season’s planning, the paper said.
Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.
We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.
Make a donation