Jamie Redknapp claims that Van de Ven is as good as Arsenal star Saliba

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