JORDY Clasie can be even better than Morgan Schneiderlin.

That is the bold statement that was uttered by Clasie’s team-mate for Saints and the Netherlands, Virgil van Dijk.

The 24-year-old defender believes the central midfielder, who was signed from Feyenoord in the summer for around £8m, can surpass the level of Schneiderlin.

Clasie has started to settle into Ronald Koeman’s side after injury hampered his early progress at St Mary’s.

The Dutchman came in as a direct replacement for Schneiderlin, who moved to Manchester United in the last transfer window.

The Frenchman developed into an outstanding Premier League midfielder during his seven-year spell on the south coast.

And Van Dijk reckons that Clasie can do the same and maybe even better.

“I think Jordy played very good against Wales and he played very good against Sunderland previously too,” said Van Dijk.

“It was a bit unfortunate he was injured the first couple of weeks but I think now he is getting to a level that everyone can see why the club bought him from Feyenoord, he is a very good player.

“I know him from way back and it is good to have him in the team. Maybe he can even be better than Morgan Schneiderlin.

“It is difficult to tell but I think he can be a very good player for the Saints. Alongside Victor Wanyama I think we have a great midfield.”