Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino has stated that defender Virgil van Dijk will be “100 per cent” focused as he prepares to face Liverpool this weekend, the first time since trying to join the Reds in the summer, the Telegraph report.

Despite handing in a transfer request over the summer, van Dijk, 26, failed to get his move and has made six appearances for the Saints so far this campaign.

Van Dijk will, however, make the move to Anfield this weekend as part of a Southampton side who will look to frustrate Jurgen Klopp’s side on Saturday afternoon.

Talking to the media this week Saints boss Pellegrino has insisted he has no worries about van Dijk’s concentration levels ahead of the game at Anfield.

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I do not think it will be difficult [for Van Dijk] because Virgil knows he is focused 100 per cent on our team and is training well.

Southampton are currently sitting in 13th place in the league, and are facing a tough run of fixtures as they face Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in their next five games, and a series of impressive individual performances from van Dijk, could see him a wanted man again in January.