The Dutch, with a three-point and 13-goal advantage over Poland, were all-but assured of qualification prior to kick-off in Amsterdam, but still had to rubberstamp their spot for next summer’s finals.
De Ligt, who has been one of Manchester United’s top performers this term, had played just one minute during the Dutch campaign, but Ronald Koeman named him as a centre-back in a side that contained nine Premier League players.
It was our no.4’s first international start since last November and he helped the Oranje keep a clean sheet on a comfortable night at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
