Saints defender van Dijk backed to become world’s best

Claude Puel already rates Virgil van Dijk as the best defender in the Premier League – and the Southampton boss insists there’s nothing to stop his star man from ruling the world.

Van Dijk had been a standout in Scotland with Celtic before the Saints shelled out £13m to bring him to St Mary’s in 2015, but there were questions over whether he could handle the step up to the Premier League.

However, he has thoroughly answered each and every one since arriving in England, and his form prompted Southampton to offer him a new six-year deal last May.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old has also adapted to playing in a high defensive line this season and Puel believes there is no limit to his potential.

“For me he has all the qualities to be one of the best defenders in the world. No problem for this,” said Puel.

“I think now it is important he has this ambition to become a great player and one of the best centre-backs in the world.

“At the moment in the Premier League, and for the next the world.

“He has all the qualities, he make progress every game and it is important he continues this work.”