Champions League: Juventus 1-2 Ajax, 5 Talking Points

#2 Matthijs de Ligt's value continues to rise

de

Ligt

delivered a captain's display - excelling as he usually does against Ronaldo and

co,

while scoring

Lasse Schone's inviting corner delivery was too enticing for de Ligt to not attack. Leaping above both Alex Sandro and the aforementioned Rugani to head goalwards, he angled his strike to perfection before wheeling away to celebrate. The header was well-taken, but it also seemed inevitable they'd score again given the wave of Ajax chances created in an action-packed second-half.

What was more telling though - other than his excellent winner - was an overall performance fit for the captain he is. It's easy to forget that he's still 19-years-old. Matthjis proved once again that age is just a number, not least when you're tasked with leading by example against a dangerous Juventus side who had already broken the deadlock through Ronaldo.

Unfazed by the Portuguese, he relished the challenge and often came out on top - doing his utmost to frustrate, dispossess and make things increasingly difficult whenever Juve found themselves baring down on Onana's goal.

Case in point being his sliding challenge to force substitute Moise Kean wide of the mark after Ronaldo's flick-on. Another instance? A crucial headed touch which put Ronaldo off when shaping to shoot at the near post and in doing so, enough to avoid conceding again.

Five aerial duels won, a game-high 10 clearances, one block, interception and tackle completed - his individual display was great to watch and suddenly quality defending is back in fashion again.

Keen not to rest on his laurels, you could see him visibly communicating with teammates throughout the game, almost as if he was walking them through certain moments and giving them advice on how they could sustain their defensive efforts as Juve soon ran out of ideas. It was marvellous to watch, from someone whose transfer value continues to skyrocket this season.