Eredivisie

'I am similar to Pique' - De Ligt compares himself to Spanish defender amid Barca links

The Ajax defender sees similarities between himself and the veteran central defender

Matthijs de Ligt compared himself to Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, saying he sees similarities between himself and the Spanish star.

De Ligt has been linked with a number of big clubs for quite some time with Barcelona seen as the front-runner to sign the young Netherlands international.

With those links still swirling, de Ligt added a bit of fuel to the fire by comparing himself to the long-time Barcelona star.

"I am similar to [Pique]," the Dutchman told ELF Voetbal Magazine.

"I like to carry the ball out from the back.

"Defensively I am strong and, like Gerard, I also started as a midfielder."

In addition, de Ligt went onto praise Barcelona's style, saying he has been schooled in a similar way of playing during his time at Ajax.

Barcelona and Ajax have long been linked dating back to the days of Johan Cruyff with both clubs always putting a priority on dynamic attacking soccer and strong ball-possession skills.

"Ajax's style of play is similar to Barcelona's," he said.

"High press, a high defensive line and a high level of ball possession."

Alongside team-mate Frankie de Jong, de Ligt is considered one of the brightest prospects in world football with a number of teams swirling.

Barcelona have largely given up hope on signing de Jong, with Manchester City the front-runner in the chase for the midfielder.

However, a move for de Ligt seems to be a priority for a team that is thin in central defense due to the injury issues of Samuel Umtiti.

De Ligt, de Jong and Ajax return to action against Den Haag in the Eredivisie having already sealed a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League

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