PUEL VOW: I’LL MAKE MAGUIRE WORLD CLASS, JUST LIKE I DID WITH VAN DIJK

Foxes boss says Harry can go all way to the top

CLAUDE PUEL claims he helped turn Virgil van Dijk into a “complete” world-class defender and now wants to do the same to Harry Maguire.

Leicester’s French coach worked with Van Dijk at Southampton, in his one season in charge on the south coast, in 2016/17.

He says Van Dijk progressed under him leading Liverpool to bid for the stopper that summer. The Reds finally got their man in January in a world-record £75million deal for a defender.

The Dutchman, 27, has already proved an inspired buy after he helped Jurgen Klopp’s side to the Champions League final.

Now Puel has turned his attentions to improving young England defender Maguire instead.

Hands-on coach Puel has a reputation for nurturing talent since working with a teenage Eden Hazard at Lille.

He said: “Virgil has continued his progress with Liverpool. He has played great games and international games.

“He is one of the best defenders in the world.

“At the beginning when I had Virgil, he was, of course, a good centre-back. But he liked to wait deep without moving or going around the side to make cover.

“It was difficult with him at the beginning because I wanted the team and the defenders to have the ability to defend with 50-60 metres of space at their back.

“But he understood why I wanted this change and this development for him and the team.

“After that, he made fantastic months with us at Southampton. Now he is comfortable on the ball, with good anticipation and is fast and powerful. He is good in aerial battles and, for me, is the complete player and defender.”

Maguire, who has 12 England caps, produced some outstanding displays in Russia as England reached the World Cup semi-finals.

Manchester United then wanted the centre-back, 25, who was signed from relegated Hull last June for a bargain £17m.

But Leicester held firm and Foxes boss Puel has been delighted with Maguire’s attitude and progress, after claiming he is approaching Van Dijk’s class.

Puel added: “I think Harry has the attributes to continue his development and is not far away from Van Dijk’s level.

“He showed it in the national team at the World Cup, which was a fantastic journey, and I think he can continue his development.”