PSV veteran striker and captain Luuk de Jong has said he always knew that Ronald Araujo was destined for greatness.

Speaking in an interview with the Dutch outlet AD, the ex-Barcelona forward revealed what he thought about Araujo even when he was much younger.

He said: “When I played at Sevilla, he made his debut for Barca in a game against us. I immediately knew: this is a world-class player in the making.

“He was just 20 at the time. Uruguayan, fast, strong, also good on the ball. He is now 24 and will be the best defender in the world for the foreseeable future.

“Remember how he was intentionally put at right-back by Xavi against Real Madrid? He had Vinícius in his pocket, didn’t he!”