LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Claude Puel suggests this Southampton player can become one of the best in the world

Southampton manager Claude Puel before the match (REUTERS)
Follow us on Google Discover

Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the best central defenders in the Premier League during his time with the club.

Speaking to reporters, Southampton manager Claude Puel shared how he believes Virgil van Dijk can become one of the world’s best defenders, as quoted by popular football magazine FourFourTwo.

The Saints are in the midst of a fine run of form, despite their 2-0 defeat at home to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, and currently sit in ninth position in the table after a run of three wins and two draws from their previous six league outings.

Southampton manager Claude Puel during the press conferenceSouthampton manager Claude Puel

The 25-year-old Holland international centre-back has been integral to their impressive recent form, and Puel explained how there is no limit to what the Dutchman can achieve within the game, as quoted by FourFourTwo:

“I think Virgil has all of the qualities to become one of the best defenders in the world – no problem. Virgil is technical, has improved tactically and he is fantastic. He must continue to work and progress.”

Southampton's Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their first goalSouthampton’s Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their first goal

The 6 ft 4 in former Celtic man arrived at St Mary’s during the summer of 2015 for a fee believed to be in the region of £11.5 million, and has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best defenders in the league.

The worrying thing for Saints fans is that for every game he continues to dominate, there will be a new potentially interested party, and with the current shortage of top-class centre-backs in world football, there will surely be a clamour for his signature come the summer.

Southampton's Virgil van Dijk and Maya Yoshida celebrate after the matchSouthampton’s Virgil van Dijk and Maya Yoshida