The Leicester City boss says the defender's rise began at Southampton, where he developed into one of the game's elite.
Claude Puel says Virgil van Dijk's rise into contention for th mantle of world's best defender began under his tutelage at Southampton.
The Leicester City boss managed the Liverpool star for one season at Southampton a year prior to Van Dijk's move to the Reds.
In the year since moving to Anfield, the Dutchman's reputation has soared following a run to the Champions League final last campaign and a push to the top of the Premier League table this season.