Matthijs de Ligt should move to Liverpool to form “the best centre-back pairing in Europe” alongside Virgil van Dijk, according to Rene van der Gijp.
De Ligt, 19, is one of the most highly sought-after young defenders in Europe right now having been linked with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Juventus.
Should De Ligt join Liverpool? Five key things to know…
- Matthijs de Ligt won the 2018 Golden Boy award after emerging as one of Europe’s best young talents.
- The 19-year-old had been linked with a move to the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester United during the January transfer window.
- De Ligt would ultimately stay put, though that has not stopped the conversations surrounding his future.
- And Van der Gijp believes De Ligt should snub the previously linked clubs and move to Liverpool, to partner Van Dijk in defence.
- De Ligt became the youngest-ever captain in a Champions League knockout game following Ajax’s recent game against Real Madrid.
Former Netherlands international Van der Gijp believes the young defender could thrive at Liverpool to form a formidable Dutch centre-back partnership.
“It would be great for Dutch football if those two defenders [De Ligt and Van Dijk] can play alongside each other for five to six years,” he told Voetbal Primeur.
“Then you are getting the best centre-back pairing in Europe.”
De Ligt had been linked with a move away from Ajax in January, with Juventus and Barcelona the most-touted destinations. But at the time, the centre-back’s father revealed he would be committed to the club for the remainder of the season.
“Juve could be a possibility, but they’re not the only team interested,” Frank de Ligt said.
“Now we’re focusing on this season with Ajax. Turin is a beautiful city, I came here for the Netherlands match in June too.”
However, he would go on to add that himself, Matthijs de Ligt and his agent Mino Raiola would be joining to make the best decision for the defender’s future.
He added: “In the next few months, I, my son, and Raiola will make the best decision for his future.”
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‘De Ligt is worth at least £70m’
De Ligt made his first-team debut for Ajax in September 2016, in a cup game against Willem 11 and scored, becoming the second-youngest goalscorer in the club’s history at 17 years, one month and nine days.
The centre-back has since continued to grow, being named Ajax captain in March 2018 and capping off a very good year by winning the Golden Boy award.
And former Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat believes Ajax would demand at least €80m (£70.3m) should they part company with the centre-back.
He said: “What’s the cost? He’s one of the best in Europe at its age. He’s so mature.
“Eighty million? I do not think Ajax will let him go for less.
“This guy can go anywhere. I think Spain and Italy are a good match for him.”
Ajax are already guaranteed to lose one rising star this summer, with Frenkie de Jong confirmed to be joining Barcelona once the current campaign ends.
The post Ajax’s £70m-rated rising star advised to join Van Dijk at Liverpool appeared first on Squawka News.
From Squawka News http://bit.ly/2BEiwHV
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