Matthijs de Ligt has no doubt he is a better player for his move to Juventus.

The Holland defender left Ajax for Juve last summer.

He said, “In recent years, technique has become increasingly important. I think it all started from Barcelona and the 'tika-taka' movement, with play starting from the back, and to play out from the back you need to be good with the ball.

“This is why technique is important. In Italy you also play with more men against an attacker, and it is very different, but this has allowed me to become the defender that I am today.

“I am not afraid to go one on one against someone, and it is something I learned at Ajax.

“Juve are the strongest team in Italy, they want to attack and win. With this coach it is important to play from the back, and advance with courage and to see that we have the desire to play the ball.

“To do this you must have good technique."