Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has heaped praise on compatriot Matthijs de Ligt amid speculation linking him with a move to Anfield this summer.

De Ligt has emerged as one of the most in-demand players in European football due to his form for Ajax over the past two seasons, with a host of the world's biggest clubs interested in his signature.

The likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with the 19-year-old, who is widely expected to leave his boyhood club this summer.

The Ajax skipper could be out of Liverpool's price range, but he admitted that a move to Anfield might be possible in the future and Van Dijk has now spoken of his joy at playing alongside him for Netherlands.

"He's obviously an excellent defender, that's clear," Van Dijk is quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo.

"He can still improve a lot and he realises that, but playing like he does at that age is fantastic and I'm really happy to play besides him."

Barcelona are understood to be leading the race for De Ligt's signature and have reportedly made a £51.5m bid for his services already.