Former Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has no doubts about the potential of Matthijs de Ligt.

Barzagli says De Ligt will become the best defender in the world.

"Surely in a few years he will be the best in the world," he said. “He has everything to become it, starting with a great mentality.

“He has countless means. He's awake, Matthijs. He really has everything to become an absolute top player, but you have to give him time to grow. I was in Serie C at his age, while he plays for Juventus and the Netherlands. Even if you are as cold as he is, it's impossible not to suffer a little bit from the pressure he has, starting with the €75m invested by Juventus."

Barzagli also says it's crucial Juve secure Paulo Dybala to a new contract.

He continued: “It will be a fundamental season for Dybala. Paulo must turn his career around and the club and the coach must give him a hand.

“The first to help him, must be himself. On the fact that Dybala has talent, there's no doubt, but he must think bigger and give his all to become one of the greats.

“Football is full of talented people who switch on and off intermittently. The greats are few and if he wants to become one of them, he must do even more by increasing the leadership on the pitch. It doesn't mean screaming or talking but making a difference and shifting the balance.

“Juventus must show they want to bet on Paulo, even with the renewal."