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Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk is 'one of the best players in the Premier League' as boss Mauricio Pellegrino welcomes his return

Virgil Van Dijk seems back in Southampton's good books after appearing for the first time in 237 days coming off the bench in their 1-0 away win over Crystal Palace.

Manager Mauricio Pellegrino concedes he does not know what will happen in January but has welcomed the wantaway defender back into his squad.

Van Dijk had been left in limbo and was training on his own after attempting to force through a transfer to Liverpool, who were accused of tapping up the defender.

Virgil Van Dijk made his return to the Premier League after rejoing the Southampton first-team
Virgil Van Dijk made his return to the Premier League after rejoing the Southampton first-team
The Dutch defender appeared as a substitute in Saturday's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace
The Dutch defender appeared as a substitute in Saturday's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace

Despite the stand-off with Southampton, Van Dijk missed out on his summer move but was named in their squad for the trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday.