Netherlands manager Ronaldo Koeman has acknowledged that he has been surprised with Matthijs de Ligt left on the bench during Juventus’ season opener against Parma on the road. The Dutchman became the club’s marquee signing after making the switch from Ajax this summer but that has not necessarily assured him with a starting role ahead of senior central defensive duo of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.

Speaking in a press conference, Koeman admitted that he was surprised with De Ligt not featuring in the curtain raiser at Parma. He added that De Ligt’s place with the national team is safe for the forthcoming set of internationals, but he can’t assure the same in October, should he continue to be starved of playing time at the Bianconeri.

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