5 long-term replacements for Gerard Pique at FC Barcelona

#1 Matthijs De Ligt (AFC Ajax)

De Ligt has been sensational since making his debut and a move to Barca may happen soon

The undisputed first choice to replace Piqué, the youngster has been one of the few bright spots to emerge from what has been a turbulent period for Dutch football.

If the prototype Barcelona defender were ever to be designed, the 18-year-old Ajax star would have been what the designers had in mind.

An accomplished passer of the ball, despite his young age, Ajax manager has entrusted him with the responsibility of playing out from the back, a responsibility he has taken on and delivered as his stats show.

While passing is key for a modern defender, tackling and intercepting the ball are also very important elements of a center-back’s game; these are aspects that De Ligt has also excelled at.

As is the case with many young defenders, De Ligt’s judgment could use some work as sometimes, he tends to misjudge the timing of tackles and long passes over the top which have led to goals on some occasions most notably on his international debut for the Oranje against Bulgaria.

However, these are normal things in the life of a young defender and he will get better as he gains more experience.

There are already rumors linking the youngster to a move to the Nou Camp and it will be in everyone’s best interests if the Blaugrana can get it sorted sooner rather than later.