In a recent video released by Goal.com, AFC Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt has indicated that he is open to making a switch to Liverpool to play with his international compatriot, Virgil Van Dijk at Anfield. In an interview with Goal, the Dutch youngster said, “Virgil (van Dijk) is a player who has experience in the top leagues,”
“Of course, you would want to learn from him. It’s very helpful playing alongside him in the Dutch team.
“It could happen (De Ligt joining him at Liverpool). He plays for Liverpool, a good club, but I’m not focused on them. I focus on Ajax and then I’ll see where I end up.”
The Liverpool Echo has confirmed that Barcelona are currently the favourites to land De Ligt after securing a £65m move for his Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong. The same source has also mentioned that Bayern Munich are weighing up an offer for the Dutch talent as well. So even if Liverpool decide to go in for the Ajax starlet, they will face stiff competition from quite a few top European clubs in pursuit of his signature.
De Ligt has enjoyed a sensational campaign with Ajax this season and has also risen to prominence at the international level with the Netherlands national team. The 19-year-old has featured in 39 matches for Ajax this term and has four goals and two assists to his name across all competitions. More importantly, he has made an average of 1.3 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in 22 Eredivisie matches this season (Stats via Whoscored).
At such a young age, the Ajax defensive ace has managed to earn 13 international caps for the Netherlands national side. He has also formed one of the most formidable centre-back partnerships at the international level with Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk.
Hence, the Dutch talent could benefit from moving to Anfield as he will learn a lot every week while playing alongside his senior international teammate in one of the most challenging leagues in world football. The potential acquisition of de Ligt will also bolster Jurgen Klopp’s defensive options significantly and will add some much-needed depth to the Reds squad.
The Merseyside outfit are still in with a good shout of winning the Premier League this season but even if they fail to do so, recruiting a player of de Ligt’s ability could help them establish sustained success at Anfield in the long-run. Thus, Klopp should do everything in his power to land him in the summer.
