Ahead of Ajax Amsterdam's showdown with Juventus in the UEFA Champions League tonight, midfielder Frenkie de Jong has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo's club is a better team than UCL record winners Real Madrid.
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Ajax are set to take on the Serie A giants in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at the Johan Cruyff Arena tonight.
Having claimed defending champions Los Blancos' scalp in the previous round with a 5-3 aggregate scoreline, the youthful Eredivisie side could go on to cement their status as giant-killers should they emerge victorious against the Bianconeri.
Speaking ahead of the first leg of the quarter-final tie, De Jong, who signed a five-year contract with FC Barcelona in January but will officially join the Catalan club in July, has now stated his belief that the Italian giants are currently a level above Zinedine Zidane's men.
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"I rate Juventus a little higher than Real Madrid," the Netherlands international told De Telegraaf.
"Don't get me wrong, Madrid are a top club, but this season their form is somewhat less (than when they won three consecutive Champions League titles).
"Juventus are one of the favourites for the trophy. I am curious how we will deal with them. It is a great challenge. If we reach our normal level, we can also make it difficult for Juventus.
"I hope that Cristiano Ronaldo has recovered from his injury and plays. He's a top player and although the chances of us winning are greater (if Juventus are) without him, I want to play against and beat the best players."
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The 21-year-old has made 42 appearances across all competitions for Ajax so far this season, finding the back of the net on four occasions and registering three assists.
Which side are you backing to advance to the UCL semi-finals, Ajax or Juventus? Do you think Ronaldo find the back of the net if he plays tonight? Have your say in the comments section below.
