Thomas Tuchel heaps praise on Liverpool star ahead of tie at Anfield

The stage is set for another thrilling encounter in the Premier League with Liverpool set to welcome Chelsea at Anfield

Having won their first two matches, both teams are going into the match full of confidence and Thomas Tuchel has admitted that Liverpool are a much different prospect with Virgil van Dijk back in the first XI.

Virgil van Dijk was injured for the majority of last season and this reflected on Liverpool’s season as the reds failed to win a silverware.

The Holland international is no back in the team and will be tasked with the job of keeping Romelu Lukaku quiet for ninety minutes.

Though Lukaku has hit the ground running with an impressive performance against Arsenal, Tuchel has conceded that Van Dijk’s return is a game-changer for Liverpool, claiming he makes everyone play better.

Speaking on Chelsea’s YouTube channel, Tuchel stated that for sure Liverpool are in a different proposition.

Tuchel noted that no one should not hide from it, Liverpool with Van Dijk is a different Liverpool than without him.

The German tactician insisted that it’s not only his capacity and ability and level of performance but he also makes everyone around him feel more comfortable.

Together with his partner in defense Matip, Tuchel insists Liverpool’s team is a huge upgrade to March.

Chelsea won this fixture 1-0 back in March, when Jurgen Klopp fielded a centre-back pairing of Schakle loanee Ozan Kabak and midfielder Fabinho.