LONDON • Virgil van Dijk may be a promising centre-back, but even the world's most expensive defender needs time to adapt to a new club, according to his Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The 26-year-old Dutchman, who signed last month for £75 million (S$140 million), has had a mixed first three games so far. He scored on his debut against Everton in the FA Cup, but had a poor showing against West Brom and did not even get on the pitch in the midweek 3-0 win over Huddersfield.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's Premier League clash with Tottenham at Anfield, the German said of van Dijk: "I'm very happy with him. We will see van Dijk at his best after the summer. He has to get used to this style of play. Everton, outstanding, Swansea, good, West Brom, bad game for whole team.
"When Virgil came here he wasn't match fit. I spoke to him about it (leaving him out against Huddersfield), he expected it. We have to use the time."
Klopp is also wary of the danger Tottenham can pose after watching their 2-0 win against Manchester United in which they scored after just 11 seconds.
"Spurs were sharp and awake the whole game versus Man United. You don't often keep United as far away from your goal as Spurs did in that game," he added.
"When you play one of the best teams in the world, you have to put in your best performance."
Spurs, who beat Liverpool 4-1 in October but have not completed a league double over the Reds since 2010-11, will fancy their chances.
The United win was a rare occasion Harry Kane failed to score, but the striker has contributed four goals and two assists in his last six league appearances against tomorrow's opponents.
"Liverpool are a strong team, especially at home when they are on the attack. They have some fast players but we can take confidence from the United game," the England striker said.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said it is doubtful new signing Lucas Moura, a winger, will play tomorrow.
"He is still doing things. Yesterday he was doing some tests with our sports science (department)," the Argentinian said at his pre-match conference yesterday.
"Tomorrow he will start to work with the team. But he may need to work a little bit on his own to reach the level we need. I don't want to say yes or no (whether he will play on Sunday) but I don't believe."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
