Kevin Kilbane has claimed that Leeds United and Aston Villa transfer target, Nathan Collins, is ‘very much like Matthijs de Ligt’ of Juventus, as he told Off the Ball.
The former Republic of Ireland international added that his fellow Irishman has the potential to become an ‘all-time great’ for his country.
Following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship, there have been a lot of eyes on a number of their star players, including Leeds and Villa showcasing interest in the £12 million man Collins.
Given that Burnley aren’t exactly in a position to pull the strings here because of their current position, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they lose the 21-year-old this summer.
Well, Kilbane provided a glowing reference of the player and shared how he compares with Juventus’ big-money centre-back from Holland in de Ligt.
“Collins’ all-round game over the four games (for the Republic of Ireland), it was incredible to watch his development,” said Kilbane. “I felt his distribution, from back to front, it so good. His long pass. The short pass. It’s so, so good.
“I think his reading of the game. We have seen that Collins can play on the right side of the three centre-halves. I think Duffy is under pressure (for his international place).
“I think Collins, if I am looking at world players like him, then I looked at Matthijs de Ligt and look at those two who are similar ages. de Light gets £100 million to Juventus from Ajax. There is very little in them when you are looking at them.
“I know de Light has more experience and people laugh when you say things like this. But he’s very much like de Ligt in the way he plays. Very aggressive at times, when need be. But he’s so good on the ball and he makes things look easy. If he continues like this, then he has the potential to be an all-time great.”
COLLINS BETTER OPTION FOR LEEDS AND VILLA THAN TARKOWSKI OR BEN MEE
Collins isn’t the only Burnley centre-back that could or will be on his way this summer because, both James Tarkowski and Ben Mee will leave at the end of this month.
Their exits have already been confirmed, with the likes of Villa and Everton showcasing interest in the experienced defenders.
But, if either Villa or Leeds are going to fish Turf Moor for centre-backs, then they are better off signing Collins because he would be a better option for the long-term future.
Plus, from a modern-day standpoint, Collins is also better at playing out from the back and developing into either of those teams.
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