Conversation so far:
What was Michiel de Ruyter's first goal in the First Anglo-Dutch War
During the First Anglo-Dutch War of 1652–1654, Michiel de Ruyter was asked to join the expanding Dutch fleet as a junior flag-officer or commandeur
What did being asked to join the expanding Dutch fleet lead Michiel de Ruyter to
Michiel de Ruyter proved his worth under the supreme commander lieutenant-admiral Maarten Tromp. The rank of admiral-general was reserved for the stadtholder, but no-one held that appointment.
who did Michiel de Ruyter defeat as Vice-Commodore in the First Anglo-Dutch War
As General at Sea George Ayscue was defeated and Michiel de Ruyter fought off an attack by a potentially superior force, De Ruyter clearly won this battle of Plymouth
What did Michiel de Ruyter's victory in the battle of Plymouth lead him to do
Michiel de Ruyter also fought at the battle of Kentish Knock
Who did Michiel de Ruyter challenge next when he fought in the battle of Kentish Knock
The Commonwealth of England had 68 ships under General at Sea Robert Blake with about 2,400 cannon and 10,000 men
What did Michiel de Ruyter try next after the battle of Kentish Knock
Michiel de Ruyter also fought at the battle of the Gabbard
Where did Michiel de Ruyter fight the battle of the Gabbard
The naval Battle of the Gabbard took place on 2–3 June 1653 during the First Anglo-Dutch War near the Gabbard shoal off the coast of Suffolk, England

Question: Why was this so difficult
Self-contained rewrite: Why was the battle of the Gabbard so difficult for Michiel de Ruyter