Jamie Redknapp claims that Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven is as good as Arsenal star William Saliba and stresses that the Dutchman can emulate Liverpool hero Virgil van Dijk

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 against Nottingham Forest, can emulate Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.

Van de Ven has enjoyed a hugely impressive first season at Tottenham since his move from Wolfsburg last summer and has returned to produce some excellent performances after struggling with a hamstring injury earlier in the campaign.

Former Tottenham player Redknapp has been hugely impressed by van de Ven's progress and claimed that 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 a great young defender as well, but I think this guy's equally as good. He's got everything going for him.

'You see the difference when Spurs lost him when he had his hamstring injuries. I think if he stays injury free there's no reason why he can't almost emulate what Virgil van Dijk's done.

'When Virgil was a similar age, Virgil wasn't producing the performances that he is right now. He's only going to get better, as long as he doesn't get too many injuries along the way because that can affect with the hamstrings and the speed that he's got, but he's a top player, he really is.'

When van Dijk was 22, he was in the early stages of his spell at Celtic, which subsequently led to moves to Southampton and then Liverpool.

Saliba, meanwhile, has been outstanding this season for an Arsenal side that are currently top of the Premier League.

The Frenchman has forged a resilient partnership with Gabriel at the heart of the Arsenal defence.

Van de Ven has also frequently stood out for Tottenham and will hope to push on even further.

Having featured twice for the Netherlands at senior level so far, van de Ven will now be looking to establish himself as a key player for his country.

With regards to domestic matters, Tottenham are in fourth place in the Premier League as they look to secure Champions League qualification.

Ange Postecoglou's side, who have taken 60 points from their 31 games so far, face Newcastle away on Saturday in their next game.