LaLiga 2018-19: 5 Ideal replacements for Gerard Pique at Barcelona

#1 Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs De

Ligt

Ajax's defensive ace Matthjis De Ligt is a standout young center back who has recently been nominated for the Golden Boy award.

The Dutch defender is gifted with immense passing abilities along with exceptional tackling skills and high presence in the air. Despite his very young age, De Ligt has already achieved some outstanding landmarks as he is already a regular first team starter, Europa League runner-up and Netherlands' international.

While highlighting Matthjis De Ligt's qualities and future role, Ajax CEO Edwin Van Der Sar insisted,

"He looks like he’s been doing this for six or seven years,"

"He is also strong with both feet, has an extremely good range of passing, can head the ball, scores goals and is a real leader at the back already at the age of 18.

"He came into the first team last year and has never looked back.

Immense ball control, outstanding passing skills, quick decision making; Matthjis De Ligt possesses all these traits and moreover, great on and off the field presence makes him an undisputed first choice Gerard Pique's replacement.