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Wednesday 30 January 2019 16:26, UK
Leicester boss Claude Puel has heaped praise on Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk ahead of their crucial Premier League meeting on Wednesday.
The Reds, chasing their first top-flight title in 29 years, have an opportunity to open up a seven-point gap over holders Manchester City after they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Tuesday night.
Van Dijk was originally doubtful for the fixture at Anfield through illness, but Jurgen Klopp has since said he is hopeful the 27-year-old Netherlands international will play after he returned to training this week.
Leicester manager Puel, who worked with Van Dijk at Southampton, pulled out a string of compliments when asked of his thoughts on the player.
"When I came in at Southampton he was, of course, a good player and I said at the time that for me he was the best defender in the world, but he was in comfort and had habits," he said.
"At Liverpool, he has took another dimension. He is a fantastic player. My feeling about him doesn't change with Liverpool.
"He is strong, powerful, fast, technical, he can play under pressure without a problem. It is fantastic. At Southampton he was the best defender in the world, but he confirmed it I think with Liverpool."
The Foxes are playing their first fixture in nine days following their thrilling 4-3 defeat to Wolves on January 19, and Puel admits that the rest has been beneficial for his side.
"I think it was a good opportunity to have a rest and to change our ideas," he added. "To come back into training with the right intensity, with quality and a good focus for our next games.
"Last game it was difficult to accept the result. It was important not to forget because sometimes it's a good thing to have to learn and so we don't repeat the same mistakes.
"We need to move on and look forward. We have a fantastic challenge in our next games."
