Jamie Redknapp claims Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven is as good as Arsenal star William Saliba and points out the Dutchman can emulate Liverpool hero Virgil van Dijk.
- Jamie Redknapp says Micky van de Ven is as good as Arsenal’s William Saliba
- Redknapp also thinks van de Ven can emulate Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk
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Jamie Redknapp has claimed that Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven is as good as Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.
Redknapp also expressed his belief that van de Ven, who was on the scoresheet in Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, could emulate Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.
Van de Ven has enjoyed a hugely impressive debut season at Tottenham since leaving Wolfsburg last summer and has returned to produce excellent performances after suffering from a hamstring injury earlier in the campaign.
Former Tottenham player Redknapp has been hugely impressed with van de Ven’s progress and claimed the 22-year-old is a better player than his compatriot van Dijk was at his age.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp said: “Arsenal 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.
Jamie Redknapp thinks Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven is as good as William Saliba
Saliba has played a hugely important role for Premier League leaders Arsenal this season.
“You see the difference when Spurs lost him to hamstring injuries. I think if he stays injury-free there’s no reason why he can’t emulate what Virgil van Dijk did.
“When Virgil was the same age, Virgil wasn’t producing the performances he’s producing now. He will only get better, as long as he doesn’t suffer too many injuries along the way, because it can affect the hamstrings and the speed he has, but he is a high level player, he really is.
When van Dijk was 22, he was in the early stages of his time at Celtic, which then led to moves to Southampton and then Liverpool.
Saliba, meanwhile, has been exceptional this season for an Arsenal side who are currently top of the Premier League.
The Frenchman has forged a resilient partnership with Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
Van de Ven has also often stood out for Tottenham and hopes to go even further.
Redknapp added that van de Ven is capable of imitating Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk
Having played twice for the Netherlands at senior level so far, van de Ven will now look to establish himself as a key player for his country.
When it comes to domestic matters, Tottenham sit fourth in the Premier League as they look to secure qualification for the Champions League.
Ange Postecoglou’s side, who have taken 60 points from 31 games so far, will face Newcastle in their next match on Saturday.
