Ajax superkid Matthijs de Ligt is being likened to the Premier League's best defenders.

The 17 year-old is training with Danny Blind's senior Holland squad this week.

Former NAC Breda coach Robert Maaskant sees similarities with Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, who he worked with at FC Groningen.

"I think he's further ahead already at his age. Van Dijk's career was somewhat slower at that stage," he told FOX Sports. "If you're at a top club, it's all going a bit faster."

Maaskant says De Ligt can be compared to Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.

"I saw him when he was younger. Certainly De Ligt does not suffer in comparison."