In comments on talkSPORT, Ajax coach Ronald de Boer has suggested that Matthijs de Ligt should think about making a move to the Premier League, highlighting Liverpool and the prospect of playing alongside Virgil van Dijk.
“For me, a 19-year-old boy, captain of Ajax, he’s the guy who is next to [Virgil] van Dijk in the [Dutch] national team.
“For De Ligt, it’s up to him what he wants to do. He has to look for a team that plays attacking football and has time on the ball.
“For me [he can go to] Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, these teams I would advise him to go there.
Despite our already imperious defence, having De Ligt at Anfield alongside his Netherlands teammate Van Dijk would be a huge reinforcement for the back-line.
The young Ajax captain has been one of the leading lights of their unexpected march to the Champions League semi-finals, but, like many of their stars, might end up leaving at the end of the season.
“He could play in every team because he is so, so good.”
“De Jong went for £75m but De Ligt is further in his quality.”
“I would advise him to go to #ManCity, #LFC… even #THFC!” 👀
Ajax A1 assistant @RdBoer1970 says Matthijs de Ligt should look for a move to England! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/TlnqrSGCuJ
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 30, 2019
Having beaten Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the first leg, if Ajax do make it to the Champions League final we could be facing up against De Ligt and his teammates in Madrid.
If he does leave Ajax we’ll be hoping it’s for the Reds; as his performances have demonstrated, the 19-year-old would improve the defence of any team in Europe.
De Ligt’s fellow Dutchman and Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong has already agreed to join our semi-final opponents in the summer.
“Frenkie de Jong went for €75million and that can go up to €85million at Barcelona.
“But in my opinion, De Ligt is further in his qualities and is more ready to make that step than Frenkie de Jong,” the Ajax coach boldly stated.
Ajax deserved the win tonight but not getting the 2nd away goal means Spurs are still well in this tie! De Jong & De Ligt very good again & look like future superstars. But thought Daley Blind was outstanding, great football brain. #TOTAJA @ChampionsLeague
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 30, 2019
That’s a big claim from De Boer, who eulogised over the young Dutch defender, stating “he can play in every team, if he goes to a defending or attacking team. He’s so good.
“He’s so strong, determined to be a winner, unbelievable. You can see it in front of the camera, his interviews, I’ve never seen it from a 19-year-old boy.
“He can easily come to the Premier League – he can choose any team in the world,” De Boer claimed.