5 Defenders Barcelona should target instead of de Ligt

#1 Ruben Dias (SL Benfica)

Dias could be the perfect long-term replacement for Pique

One of the highly rated youngsters coming out of the stables at Benfica, young Dias has been spoken of in glowing terms and there are already pundits comparing him to the legendary Portuguese centre-back Fernando Couto.

His style of play is more aligned to the cultured style of players like Pique possessing deceptively quick legs and a good passing range.

Dias isn't the strongest in the air just yet and can be guilty of being rash in the tackle. However, like de Ligt, he has shown strong leadership qualities at a tender age.

The young Dias who just made his first-team debut in Liga NOS last season has become an ever-present for the Eagles. He has at his rather tender age of 22, taking the mantle of leading the defence from the recently retired legend: Luisao.

He has a lot of growing to do and will undoubtedly have to step inside the rarefied air of the demanding crowd at the Camp Nou.

However, Dias has shown that he has what it takes to compete at the top level and though his asking price may equal de Ligt's, Barca would not be paying him as much as the Dutchman is said to be demanding.