FORMER Saints midfielder Jordy Clasie likened his old side’s new style to Barcelona and Manchester City – albeit accepting a “different level” – following his St Mary’s return.

The 32 year old Dutchman captained AZ Alkmaar to a 1-0 victory in England on Saturday, having made 49 appearances for Saints between 2015-2017.

Clasie has also since played for Club Brugge in Belgium and giants Feyenoord on loan before an extended spell at AZ after his official Saints exit on a free transfer in 2019.

The former Netherlands international spoke to BBC Radio Solent to give his view on the new style manager Russell Martin is attempting to implement. 

“It’s always nice to be back, I have seen some nice people who I had worked with so it’s always nice to be back,” he said.

“I think (Saints) are really well, we didn’t expect they are that good – how they play with the short passes and combinations, I give them a good chance to play at the top of the league this season.

“It was difficult for us physically but also with how they play and press. The communications between the centre-backs and midfielders, the triangles, it was really good,” Clasie added.

“I have not seen that many times, you have Barcelona and Man City – and of course, it is a different level with Southampton – but the way they tried to play I really loved.

“I hope that they come back into the top league and get promoted again. Especially the first half was difficult for us, our team want to press always.

“But it was difficult because when we tried to press, they broke our lines constantly. In the first 45 minutes, it was tough for us – we’ll have to learn from this.”

Clasie was part of the AZ team that reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals last season before defeat to eventual winners West Ham United.

The campaign saw Clasie make 53 appearances – and he has played in some kind of European group stage or qualifying every year since he has been at AZ.

“We had a long season with a lot of games, I enjoy it – I am back home and I am happy here. I am 32 years old so a couple more seasons here and then we will see what happens,” Clasie said.