A solid blocker in defence, the Dutch centre-back is the only player to have played every minute of Manchester United's Premier League campaign so far this season.
With Ruben Amorim famous as a "skillful worker", especially in the way he operates defense and develops central defenders, De Ligt's regular presence is a clear testament to his growing influence at Old Trafford.
When De Ligt signed for Man United in August 2024, Old Trafford welcomed a player who was then only 24 years old, who struggled to maintain his form and reach the level expected in the early stages of his career.
As Ajax captain at the age of just 18, De Ligt was once considered one of the most promising defenders in the world. In 2018, he became the first defender in history to win the Golden Boy award, the title for the best U21 player.
That was before he played a key role in the 2018-2019 Champions League, where Ajax advanced to the semi-finals. De Ligt's brilliant performances further elevate his value in the transfer market.
After that campaign, he moved to Juventus in a context where the whole world seemed to be at his feet, before Bayern Munich continued to bring him to the Bundesliga. However, despite winning many major titles during this time, De Ligt's strong progress in the early stages of his career gradually slowed down. He became a constant disappointment as he struggled with injuries.
Now, De Ligt seems to be going through a strong revival period. At the age of 26, things are starting to get brighter for the Dutch midfielder. He is often used as a right-back in Amorim's familiar back three, but also shows a stable ability to play when deployed in the centre of defence.
In the opening match of the season - although the "Red Devils" lost to Arsenal - De Ligt still made a strong impression when defeating Viktor Gyokeres in direct confrontations. This laid the foundation for his stable performance afterwards.
Throughout the Premier League campaign, the former Ajax player has maintained his class and quickly become one of Man United's most reliable options in defence. De Ligt leads the team in the number of unsuccessful spots and interceptions, and is also among the most proficient full-backs and passers.
His impressive form has been recognized by coach Ronald Koeman calling him back to the Netherlands national team.
For De Ligt, the obvious improvement in performance is a testament to maturity, both in terms of expertise and fitness. His career is now no longer interrupted by persistent injuries as before.
"I am currently 26 years old and entering the most beautiful years of my career, both physically and mentally. I have changed my thinking. Before, I was always afraid of making mistakes, but now, I just want to do well in every aspect of my game" - De Ligt shared.
When asked about his current impressive form, De Ligt added: "There are many reasons for this change. I have suffered quite a few injuries in recent years, which has caused me to lose some confidence in my own body.
This year, I have been able to fully participate in the pre-season. I understand the club better, the tournament better, feel more confident and can play more proactively."
