Matthijs De Ligt could have a decade at the top if he joined Liverpool , says former Reds defender Jamie Carragher.
Carragher has urged Jurgen Klopp's side to sign the centre-back, who captained Ajax's giant-kiling run to the Champions League semi-finals aged just 19.
De Ligt's performances have caught the attention of top clubs across Europe, with Barcelona believed to be favourites in the race to sign the £60million defender.
The teenager has also been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City .
But Carragher wants to see De Ligt strike up a partnership with fellow Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.
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With Liverpool set for their second successive Champions League final next month, and bidding to win the Premier League title this weekend, Carragher believes De Ligt could be the cornerstone of a top team at Anfield for the next 10 years.
"I have never seen such a good defender at 19 years old," said Carragher, in quotes reported by the Liverpool Echo .
"He plays as if he's 29 and at his peak already.
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"You can only imagine how good he will be when he actually is 29."
Asked if he'd like De Ligt to sign for Liverpool, Carragher said: "I'd love that."
Speaking earlier this year, De Ligt admitted that he would like the chance to play alongside international defensive partner Virgil van Dijk at club level.
"Virgil (van Dijk) is a player who has experience in the top leagues," he said in a video on Goal.com .
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"Of course, you would want to learn from him. It’s very helpful playing alongside him in the Dutch team.
"It could happen (De Ligt joining him at Liverpool). He plays for Liverpool, a good club, but I’m not focused on them.
"I focus on Ajax and then I’ll see where I end up."
With Ajax's Champions League dream over, De Ligt will now be considering his future - and Liverpool could be one of the options.
