Virgil van Dijk has returned to form for Liverpool, and Jurgen Klopp says, “Thank God!”

Van Dijk was outstanding in Liverpool’s midweek triumph over Sheffield United, scoring the opening goal to maintain the Reds a point behind Arsenal in the title race.

Liverpool struggled when their defensive behemoth and leader was not at his best, and Klopp believes it is excellent to have him back at his best.

He thanked God and praised the Dutchman as the best defender in the world.

“It has always been and will always be; Virg is the best defender in the world,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stated.

“Did he have fewer beneficial spells?” Yes. If you can show me one player who has never had it, I would be delighted to meet him. To be honest, that’s probably how we all are.

“When we go back in time at the Rio Ferdinands on the earth, we can’t blame him, but were they always good? Or is it Jaap Stam, Sami Hyypia, or someone else?

“Were they always flawless? Nobody was and will ever be. So, yeah, Virg in that shape is quite crucial to us.

“With Virg, anything positive I’ve said in the past can be expressed again since I still think the same way.

“Everyone can tell Virg is back, and it’s clear. Thank you, God!”

The Blades’ victory was Liverpool’s second of eight games in 24 hours this month.

Crystal Palace visit this afternoon at 12.30pm, Klopp’s preferred time.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson is under fire after the Eagles have only won one of their past eight league games, and Klopp believes the former Liverpool manager was an inspiration to him when he was younger.

“When Roy was manager of Switzerland, my former Mainz manager, Wolfgang Frank, showed us a lot of videos of him,” he told me.

“I’m glad I met him here in the Premier League because he’s an exceptional person and a really nice man.”

“Every time I see him, I ask him, ‘What are you doing?'” But he appears to be having a good time, so I admire him. He was an inspiration to me.”

Klopp may recall Alisson for the trip to Selhurst Park, as the Brazilian goalkeeper trained on Thursday after missing Liverpool’s previous three games due to a hamstring injury.

“Ali is an option,” he noted. “I’m not sure if we’ll take it. We don’t have much time, but we have enough to talk to Ali, see how he feels, and then make a decision.”

Klopp also stated that he would want to see Joel Matip granted a new contract, despite the fact that the 32-year-old centre-back, who is in his ninth season at Anfield, may not play again before his current contract expires in June due to an ACL injury.

“I would say so, but it’s not my decision,” he added. “I am unable to sign the paperwork.”

“I’m confident the club will demonstrate their class.” He deserves our full support, and he will have it.”