Netherlands centre-back Matthijs de Ligt issued a glowing assessment of international team-mate Frenkie de Jong amid Manchester United's interest in his services.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News last month, United are interested in signing the Barcelona midfielder and are weighing up a big-money offer. United are desperate to strengthen their midfield options this summer and De Jong is a leading target for manager Erik ten Hag.
De Jong, who joined Barcelona in 2019, worked with Ten Hag at Ajax and enjoyed, arguably, the most fruitful period of his career so far working underneath his fellow countryman. He played a key role in helping the Dutch heavyweights reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019, as well as winning two major trophies, including an Eredivisie title.
READ MORE: Where United stand on Frenkie de Jong and Darwin Nunez as transfer window opens
Juventus centre-back De Ligt was part of the same team, with the duo both emerging from Ajax's academy. Although their club careers have taken them in different directions in recent years, they remain teammates with the Netherlands national team.
And ahead of Saturday's Nations League clash with Poland in Rotterdam, De Ligt, when addressing the media, was asked to issue his verdict and De Jong, and offer an insight to if he had drawn reference to the speculation currently concerning his future.
"He's not said anything," De Ligt said. "But he's an amazing player and everybody knows how important he is for the team."
De Jong started Friday's victory over Belgium but was forced to settle for a place on the bench against Wales, before stepping onto the field with a little over 20 minutes left on the clock. He played a key role in helping his side earn all three points, winning the ball back in the build-up to Wout Weghorst's dramatic injury-time winner.
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