Liverpool manager Arne Slot has heaped praise on compatriot Virgil van Dijk, naming the Reds' skipper as the player who has surprised him the most.

Liverpool's big guns have been left behind for the Champions League encounter with PSV Eindhoven, but it could prove to be a big opportunity for Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa

Arne Slot was pleased that Barcelona played out injury time after Liverpool boss saw the final score of their match with Benfica

Arne Slot has Liverpool flying in the Champions League, with only Barcelona's late comeback denying the Reds the chance to confirm top spot with just the PSV match to spare

The Liverpool boss can see his side finish top of the new-look Champions League group stage if they win against Lille on Tuesday night and Barcelona drop points against Benfica - but Arne Slot insists

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is unsure how much benefit there will be to finishing top of the Champions League table. If his side make it seven wins out of seven at home to Lille and Barcelona fail to win at Benfica,

Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, has praised Liverpool in a glowing assessment of Arne Slot's side, acknowledging them as the strongest contenders to Bar

"As Arne Slot’s skipper and field marshal celebrated a seventh consecutive Champions League win to confirm his side’s place in the round of 16, it reaffirmed the view that describing Van Dijk merely as the best defender is the understatement of the century," he writes. "Van Dijk is one of the best footballers in the world. Full stop.

Alan Shearer hoped Nunez would start for Liverpool against Lille as a result and it was a decision Slot made as the Dutch coach knew the 25-year-old would be up for it following his display the weekend prior.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has challenged Darwin Nunez to prove he is an elite striker as the much-maligned Uruguayan looks to take advantage of Diogo Jota's latest injury.

Darwin Nunez reportedly remains the subject of transfer interest from several clubs despite still regularly featuring for Liverpool under Arne Slot this season