Matthijs de Ligt says his first season with Juventus has been a learning process.

The former Ajax captain has grown as the season has go on.

“There are more eyes on you and people expect a great deal, all of which is new compared to my time at Ajax," De Ligt told Ziggo Sport.

“I think that I've done well in every match since the start of November and I am happy that the club has faith in me. I was on the bench for a little while and talked it over with the coach. I then had that problem with my shoulder and then a groin strain, so I couldn't train.

“The coach told me very clearly: 'Calm down, we need you further along in the season and in your best shape, so there's no rush.'

“I also had to learn the language, as at the start it was just me and Aaron Ramsey who couldn't speak Italian. We both spoke English, so spent a lot of time together. Chiellini also speaks English and he helped me a great deal. It was tough at first, when we sat around the table and everyone spoke Italian, but I took lessons along with my girlfriend."