Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk best in world, says Claude Puel
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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.
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"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."
