5 of the most in-demand youngsters in world football

#1 Matthijs de Ligt (AFC Ajax)

De

Ligt

could become the world's most expensive defender

Kylian Mbappe is arguably the biggest teenage star in world football. However, a certain blonde haired, Dutch centre-back may not be far behind. De Ligt is a player whose growth and development have been rapid. He has emerged as one of the leaders in a seemingly upward moving Dutch national team.

An accomplished passer of the ball, the 19-year-old is the very definition of what a modern centre-back is supposed to be. Elegant on the ball, he combines technique, intelligence and an eye for a pass with old-school ruggedness and aerial prowess.

One of the fastest centre-backs currently playing, he is very rapid and is capable of man-marking not just pacy wingers, but also strikers who rely on physicality and aerial ability to get the better of defenders.

Like De Jong, he is also being closely monitored by some of Europe's biggest clubs. FC Barcelona has long held an interest in him. It is believed at the Camp Nou that De Ligt could be even better than his current manager at the Oranje, Ronald Koeman was for the Blaugrana.

Tottenham Hotspur has had a fantastic record buying from Ajax. Christian Eriksen, Jan Veronghen, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Aldeweireld (not bought directly from Ajax) are some of the quality stars that have moved from the Amsterdam Arena to White Hart Lane in recent years.

Spurs have also been linked to De Ligt as have defending European champions, Real Madrid.

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