After Liverpool’s painful 2–1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield, an unexpected revelation from striker Alexander Isak stole the spotlight.
Though visibly disappointed by the defeat, the Swedish international couldn’t help but express his admiration for one Manchester United player whose performance, in his words, “completely shocked” him.
Speaking candidly after the final whistle, Isak said, “Even though we lost, I have to admit — this was my first time facing someone who played with that level of intensity and aggression.
He really shocked me tonight.” What stunned many fans and journalists, however, was that Isak wasn’t referring to United’s creative captain Bruno Fernandes or the electric Amad Diallo.
Instead, his praise was directed toward Matthijs de Ligt — the towering Dutch centre-back who produced one of his most commanding displays in a Manchester United shirt.
From the very beginning of the match, De Ligt was unshakeable. He won nearly every aerial battle, executed perfectly timed tackles, and positioned himself with exceptional awareness to shut down Liverpool’s dangerous front line.
Alongside Mohamed Salah, Isak found it nearly impossible to get past him, as the defender seemed to anticipate every move seconds before it happened.
“What stood out to me wasn’t just his physical strength,” Isak added. “It was his intelligence. Before you even decide what to do, he already knows. That kind of anticipation is rare — it’s something you only see in world-class defenders.”
De Ligt’s commanding presence proved vital in helping Manchester United secure their first league victory at Anfield since 2016.
Partnered with Harry Maguire — who scored the winning goal — De Ligt formed a defensive wall that neutralized Liverpool’s attack and gave United the platform to counter effectively.
Analysts credited manager Rúben Amorim for showing faith in the Dutchman, calling his selection “a masterstroke.”
Football pundits and fans alike were quick to shower De Ligt with praise, describing his performance as “colossal” and “career-defining.”
Social media buzzed with admiration, with one fan writing, “That was vintage De Ligt — calm, strong, and fearless. This is the defender we’ve been waiting for.”
For De Ligt himself, this performance could mark a pivotal turning point in his career. After enduring a mixed spell at Bayern Munich and a slow start at Old Trafford, his dominant outing reminded everyone why he was once hailed as one of Europe’s most promising defenders.
His blend of strength, leadership, and game-reading ability gave United a sense of defensive stability they’ve long lacked.
As Isak put it succinctly, “He’s built like a wall but moves like a forward. I’ve faced top defenders -Saliba, Gabriel, Díaz but De Ligt was different. He doesn’t just defend; he commands.”
For Manchester United, the win was more than just three points it was a statement of resurgence under Amorim. And for Matthijs de Ligt, it was a moment of redemption, a night when he silenced critics, restored confidence, and earned the respect of rivals and supporters alike.
It wasn’t just another victory at Anfield; it was the night De Ligt reminded the world of his true class.
