Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong believes Juventus are a stronger opponent than Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The Dutch international will join Barcelona in an €86m deal from Ajax this summer after prolonged speculation regarding his future.
He helped inspire the Amsterdam giants to a 5-3 aggregate victory over Madrid in the Round of 16 and will now face the Italian champions in the quarter-finals.
“I would rate Juventus above Real Madrid,” De Jong told De Telegraaf, as cited by Marca.
“Madrid are a top club but their form this season is not as high as it has been in previous years.
“Juventus are undoubtedly one of the favourites for the trophy and facing them is a massive challenge, but we believe we can make it a great match.
“I want to face Cristiano Ronaldo; I hope he is fit to play because he is an incredible player and that is the type of player I want to be competing against.
“Our chances of winning increase if he does not play but it is a greater challenge if he does and I am looking forward to it!”
