"I didn't want to be a substitute, but I'll accept it"

Despite being Juventus' big signing in defence this season, De Ligt stayed on the bench in the opening game. The centre-backs did not change and the Juventus team did not concede any goals.

After the clash, De Ligt stated that he had assumed he would be starting, although he not make a negative comment about his substitution: "I wasn't expecting to be benched, but logically, i respect out coach's decision".

"I was hoping to start and I would have preferred to play, but I have to be realistic and I am still adapting", he added in this declarations to 'AD', in which he praised his teammates in centre-back.

"The centre-backs, made up of Bonucci and Chiellini were considered the best in the world, which is why I will have to keep on fighting to earn my place," he said.

De Ligt signed for Juventus this summer before nearly also signing for Barcelona, but,due to the strong competition in a team which is so solid defensively, he must make every effort to convince Maurizio Sarri.