Arsenal legend Charlie Nicholas says that he is not convinced by the hype surrounding Southampton centre-back Virgil Vin Dijk.

The Sky Sports pundit argues the Dutch defender has an odd mistake in him, much like Manchester City's John Stones, and can't see why there is so much interest in his services.

However, Nicholas is backing the Saints to beat Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva in Thursday's Europa League fixture and qualify for the next round.

He writes for Sky: "Southampton are like a bag of Revels.

"I think everyone expected them to win at the weekend and they didn't just disappoint but they got absolutely battered, even without Fraser Forster's mistake.

"Everybody talks up Virgil van Dijk but he can still be slack-minded and he's got away with quite a few penalty calls this season. Defending is an art and he's not quite got it nailed, a bit like John Stones.

"Surely Dusan Tadic should be back with a mask on? I was also surprised to see Josh Sims not starting at the weekend after doing so well.

"I do think they'll edge this one though and I'm backing a man who is overdue a goal in Steven Davis to get the winner."