Claude Puele believes that Virgil van Dijk can become one of the world’s top defenders- despite his laid back style.
The Dutchman left Celtic for the south coast last summer after two seasons during which he often appeared to be cruising against domestic opposition.
Van Dijk was given a new six year contract by Southampton towards the end of last season with richer clubs believed to be keeping close tabs on his progress.
Last night van Dijk was outstanding in the Saints 2-1 win over Inter Milan and even found time to stroll forward and score the equaliser before Yuto Nagatomo scored a bizarre own goal to give the home side full points.
Puel: “I think @VirgilvDijk has all of the qualities to become one of the best defenders in the world.” #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/NRsydVLfS4
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 4, 2016
Reflecting on that performance today Southampton boss Puele admitted: “I think Virgil has all of the qualities to become one of the best defenders in the world – no problem.
“Sometimes [at the start of the season] he wasn’t concentrated. I also think the [way the team] play is different to last year because he could defend in a deep defence, but this year he sometimes has to defend with 50, 60 metres behind him.
“Virgil is technical, has improved tactically and he is fantastic. He must continue to work and progress.”
Van Dijk scored 15 goals in two seasons at Celtic and was being tipped for a move within six months of signing for Neil Lennon’s side.
Ronny Deila fought to keep the Dutchman after taking over from Lennon with the partnership between van Dijk and Jason Denayer a key element in the 2014/15 title success.
With Denayer returning to Manchester City and van Dijk looking to move on Celtic crashed out of the 2015 Champions League qualifiers to Malmo with Deila struggling to put together a replacement defensive partnership.
After being signed from Groningen for £2.5m Celtic sold the defender for a reported £11m and are believed to have a 15%.