Standard Liege manager Michel Preud’homme has tipped central defender Zinho Vanheusden for a bright future, particularly in the Belgian national team.

“He is becoming a leading player and could be a pillar of the national team for a long time, the sooner it happens, the better it is for him,” Preud’homme said in an interview with RTBF La Tribune.

Preud’homme proceeded to discuss the comparisons made between Vanheusden and Vincent Kompany.

“The comparison with Kompany? He is similar, he has everything from intelligence, to being down to earth and the right mentality.”

He concluded by revealing he hopes to keep a hold of him for a little longer.

“It would be best for him to stay here another year, I hope Inter accepts the idea, it is his desire.”

The 18-year-old defender is 12 months in to an 18 month loan with Standard from Inter. This season he has made 17 appearances across all competitions in which he has scored one goal in 1171 minutes and helped his side keep seven clean sheets.