Ajax football chief Edwin van de Sar has paid tribute to Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Van der Sar says De Ligt's approach to his profession is similar to Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who he played with when goalkeeper at Old Trafford.

The former Juventus keeper told Tuttosport: "He is a top player with a great mentality. He works hard to improve himself. I haven't seen him train in two and a half years, but in his time with us he always reminded me of the young Cristiano Ronaldo, who I played with at Manchester United.

"If De Ligt was not on the field early in the morning, he could be found in the gym."