Ferdinand Names ‘the best young centre-half on the planet’

Rio Ferdinand has hailed Ajax’s Matthijs De Ligt as “the best young centre-half on the planet”.

De Ligt inspired Ajax into the semi-finals of the Champions League by scoring the crucial second goal in a 2-1 win away at Juventus on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old has become one of the poster boys of a young, vibrant and exciting team built around academy products., with Barcelona-bound midfielder Frenkie de Jong similarly lauded.

Matthijs de Ligt has already been linked with most of top Europe’s clubs with the young star admitting that he could sign for Liverpool

Ferdinand believes the Dutchman is one of his successors as “the best young centre-half on the planet”.

“De Jong, already signed for Barcelona,” he told BT Sport. “De Ligt, the best young centre-half on the planet. Beautiful and majestic ball-playing ability. Scored a huge goal there as well.

“The blend they’ve got with the young players and the older more experienced players.

“Tadic was almost given away by Southampton and is now producing miracles in the Champions League this year.“It’s exciting times for Ajax.”