Claude Puel: 'Virgil van Dijk can become the best in the world'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 28 December 2017

Leicester City manager Claude Puel backs Virgil van Dijk to become the best defender in world football after he completes his £75m move to Liverpool in January.

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has claimed that Virgil van Dijk has the ability to become the best defender in world football at Liverpool.

Van Dijk has agreed a world-record £75m move to Anfield which will go through once the transfer window reopens on Monday, making the Dutchman the most expensive defender in history.

However, Puel - who was in charge of Van Dijk at Southampton last season - believes that the centre-back is capable of living up to the mammoth transfer fee.

"He is one of the best defenders in the world and he has all the qualities to become the best. It is fantastic for Liverpool," Puel told reporters.

"He can play in different good teams and it is a good reward for him. At the beginning of the season it is difficult for him because he wants to join another club but now he will find his level. I am happy for him and happy he can't play against us.

"Of course I don't know if it is the right price but he is a fantastic player, fantastic defender. I had him for six months and then for the last six months he was injured. In those first six months he made progress and he has all the qualities. He is a strong character and personality."

Puel's side will face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday in their final match of 2017.