"He reads the game very well" – Toby Alderweireld lauds Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United target who is very similar to Declan Rice

Royal Antwerp captain Toby Alderweireld has heaped praise on Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United target Arthur Vermeeren. He stated that his club teammate has the potential to be one of the best.

Vermeeren, 18, has popped up as one of the most promising defensive midfielders in the world over the past season. He helped Antwerp complete a domestic double last time around and also guided them to a Belgian Super Cup triumph against KV Mechelen earlier this July.

A right-footed all-action midfielder, the Belgian has drawn comparisons with Declan Rice of late. He was likened to the Gunners superstar in a football.london analysis piece, which read:

"Vermeeren is a cross between a traditional holding midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder. A little similar to Arsenal club-record signing Declan Rice in that respect. The talented youngster is extremely capable in possession, always looking for a pass forward. He is adept at progressing the ball between the lines and can be quite creative when given the chance to roam forward."

With his gradual rise as a midfield stalwart for Antwerp and comparisons with Rice recently, Vermeeren has attracted interest from top European teams. He has been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, according to TEAMtalk.

When asked to opine on Vermeeren, Alderweireld said (h/t The Sun):

"He arrived in the team by force of circumstance, but since then he has learned very quickly. He reads the game very well, his potential is enormous. Have I seen this before? Rarely, I think."

So far, the Liverpool and Manchester United-linked teenager has made 49 overall appearances for Antwerp. He has scored two goals and provided seven assists in 4113 minutes of action for his team so far.

Saudi Pro League keen to snap up Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United stars in 2024

According to Fichajes.net, a few Saudi Pro League outfits have set their sights on four superstars as potential signings in 2024. They are hoping to lure Thiago Silva, Thiago Alcantara, Jorginho, and Anthony Martial from Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

The SPL are hoping to convince each of the aforementioned players to shift to the Gulf state with the prospect of a salary hike. They are also keen to make the most of their respective contract situations as all four stars are currently in the final year of their respective deals.

While Silva is deemed to be a regular starter at his team, Alcantara, Jorginho and Martial are in squad roles at their respective clubs. All three of them could depart their current clubs in search of more action.