Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman believes Mattijs De Ligt will develop into the world's best centre-back.

The 19-year-old is captain of Dutch giants Ajax and won the 2018 Golden Boy award.

Already linked with Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City and Liverpool, De Ligt is destined to become the world's top defender in just two years, according to his national team coach.

"De Ligt and [Frenkie] de Jong are special for various reasons," he told Catalunya Radio.

"De Ligt is younger, 19, and plays in an important position, as a centre-back.

"He's the Ajax captain and from their school. That is to say Barca's school, because it means that he has a lot of technical quality and tactical nous.

"He will be the best centre-back in the world in two years."