ESPN analyst Hans Kraay Jr. has heaped praise on PSV midfielder Kodai Sano, comparing the Japanese summer signing to former France international Paul Pogba.

Kodai Sano has made a strong early impression at PSV, and ESPN analyst Hans Kraay Jr. believes the Japanese midfielder has already shown qualities that could make him a key player for Peter Bosz.

Sano joined PSV from NEC during the summer after lengthy negotiations between the two clubs. The midfielder has quickly established himself within Bosz’s squad, while his performances have naturally led to comparisons with the qualities lost following Joey Veerman’s departure.

Speaking to Voetbal International, Kraay stressed that the two midfielders are not directly comparable but was particularly impressed by Sano’s ability to contribute across the pitch.

“Yes, Joey Veerman out, Kodai Sano back, not at all comparable to each other, but what a great box-to-box midfielder Sano is,” Kraay said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

Sano’s technical ability has been one of the most noticeable aspects of his early performances. Kraay highlighted his first touch, acceleration and willingness to carry the ball forward, while also praising his awareness in possession.

“What beautiful first touches, what a burst of acceleration in his dribbling; Sano is a true playmaker with his head up, who damn well looks a lot like a French midfielder,” Kraay continued.

The comparison to Pogba is striking. The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder was renowned for his combination of physical power, technical quality and ability to influence games from midfield.

Kraay believes Sano possesses enough of those characteristics to draw the comparison.

“Sano is the Pogba of PSV,” the ESPN analyst concluded.

The Japanese midfielder has already played an important role during PSV’s strong start to the campaign, including the impressive 3-1 victory over Ajax last Saturday.

His performances have provided Bosz with a different midfield profile following Veerman’s departure, with Sano capable of covering ground, winning possession and progressing the ball himself.

The early signs have also been encouraging enough for Sano to be viewed as more than simply a replacement for Veerman. His skill set gives PSV another way of controlling midfield and breaking through opposition pressure.

For now, Sano remains in the early stages of his PSV career, but Kraay’s assessment underlines the impression the 22-year-old has already made.

The comparison with Pogba will inevitably raise expectations, but Sano’s performances have given PSV supporters plenty of reason to believe their summer investment can develop into an important part of Bosz’s midfield.