Manchester United coach Phil Neville sees Phil Jones' long-term future at centre-half.
Jones has been used mainly in midfield by United manager David Moyes this season.
Neville said: "People forget how young he is. Centre-backs do not peak until they are 27, 28 or 29. Look at Rio, who has been one of the very best centre-backs.
"Early in his career he played as a sweeper and had the odd game in midfield like Phil. Then when he got to 26 he was a centre-back. That is what it is going to be like for Phil.
"He has got a manager who is outstanding at working with and developing young defenders. Joleon Lescott, Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Seamus Coleman - he developed them into international-class players.
"They had great ability but he worked them, gave them lots of training and persevered with them. And now you see the fruits of his labours.
"We have a young defence here and they are going to get a lot of work which will improve them. As long as he listens and keeps learning, he can be as good as he wants."
