Matthijs De Ligt: I Have To Speak To A Psychologist After Being Left Out Of Netherlands Lineup

Netherlands center-back, Matthijs de Ligt, said he has spoken to a psychologist after being left out of his country’s starting lineup for the opening matches of Euro 2024.

The Dutch team secured a victory against Poland and played to a goalless draw with France, with Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij partnering captain Virgil van Dijk in the central defense.

De Ligt expressed his desire to be included in the starting lineup and mentioned that he had spoken to a psychologist and his family before the upcoming match against Austria on Tuesday.

“These kinds of moments can be tough, by talking about it you make things lighter and you can put the energy back on the pitch instead of wasting it on those kinds of thoughts,” De Ligt told Dutch media.

“I always train to improve myself, that is not necessarily different now what is a little different is the feeling after a victory.”

“Of course, you are also happy as a substitute, but a little less than if you had participated yourself.”

Liverpool defender, Van Dijk, acknowledged the need for improvement following the team’s 2-1 comeback victory in the opening match against Poland.

The defense displayed resilience in a strong performance against tournament favorites Les Bleus in their second outing.

De Ligt was included in the starting lineup for the Netherlands in their first match of the 2022 World Cup. However, he was subsequently left out by then-coach Louis van Gaal as the Dutch team progressed to the quarter-finals.

“I had the feeling that I was in good shape, and I showed that at Bayern in the second half of the season… I would have liked to continue in that line here, in that sense it is a ‘false start’ to the tournament,” said De Ligt.

“I have learned during my football career that the start of a tournament or season is fun, but that it is mainly about the end.”

“That’s why I’m relatively calm. I also have the feeling that something will happen this tournament that will allow me to still be important… you have to be ready for that.”

Netherlands striker, Wout Weghorst, said he could personally “see the beauty” of being a super-sub, after he came on to score the winner against Poland, but also would like to start.

“The way the first match went is nice and you get satisfaction from that,” the Burnley striker told a news conference.

“But I said it at the beginning of the tournament – you want to be in the starting line-up.”

The Netherlands are guaranteed to reach the last 16 with at least a draw against Austria.