Tottenham have told defender Micky van de Ven that he is “just as good” as Arsenal star William Saliba and can emulate Virgil van Dijk.
Tottenham teammates Timo Werner and Guglielmo Vicario couldn't help but join the fans in chanting Micky van de Ven's name on Sunday.
And the former Spurs and Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp He also praised him in the Sky Sports studio, insisting the Dutch defender can reach elite heights.
Van de Ven is one of the signings of the Premier League season, arriving from Wolfsburg in a £43m summer transfer.
The pacy centre-back has delighted with his recovery speed and possession play since his arrival, despite little being known about him on these shores.
Spurs' defense could still have some leaks, as it did in the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forestbut the 22-year-old is showing huge potential alongside the World Cup winner. Christian Romero.
In addition to decisive interventions in defense, Van de Ven scored Tottenham's second goal of the afternoon against the Tricky Trees: a shot from the edge of the area.
Understandably, plaudits greeted the Man of the Match and Redknapp offered him some of the highest praise possible, comparing him to two of the Premier League's best centre-backs.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp said: “'Arsenal The fans will look at Saliba, who is also a great young defender, but I think this guy is just as good. He has everything going for him.
“You see the difference when the Spurs lost him when he had hamstring injuries. I think if he stays injury-free there's no reason why he can't almost emulate what he did.” Virgil van DijkIt's done.
“When Virgil was a similar age, Virgil wasn't producing the performances he's doing now. He's only going to get better as long as he doesn't suffer too many injuries along the way because that can affect his hamstrings and the speed he has, but he's a top-level player, he really is.”
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Van Dijk, formerly of Celtic and Southamptonhas been a central figure in Liverpool's success under Jurgen Klopp.
With Germany, the colossal centre-back has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup.
Saliba, meanwhile, was named in the PFA Team of the Season last year in his debut campaign as his performances took Arsenal into a title fight with Man City.
The French international has done the same this year alongside Gabriel as the Gunners attempt to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
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And that's not bad company for Van de Ven as he thrills under Ange Postecloglou.
