SAINTS captain Jose Fonte has labelled his latest centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk a class act and admits it is easy playing next to him.

The 31-year-old has seen a number of companions at the heart of Saints’ backline come and go, with the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Dejan Lovren and Jos Hooiveld among those who have played that role in the past.

The latest has Fonte very excited.

Van Dijk, who scored his first goal for Saints in the 3-1 win over Swansea at St Mary’s at the weekend, has been picked out for much praise since his arrival from Celtic on transfer deadline day.

It hasn’t gone unnoticed by the skipper who can’t help but be impressed with how Van Dijk has coped since swapping the Scottish ranks for the Premier League.

In fact, Fonte has gone as far as saying that it is easy to play alongside the former Groningen man ahead of another stern test for their flourishing relationship at Chelsea on Saturday.

“You saw it today, he’s a top player,” Fonte said, after Van Dijk had scored his first goal for the club against the Swans.

“He had a great game, he’s strong and quick and he’s good in the air.

“It’s great to play with him, it’s very easy, and he’s showing all these abilities.”

Ronald Koeman’s side head to Stamford Bridge on Saturday to face a Chelsea team struggling for form and confidence.

That certainly isn’t something that could be said for the 24-year-old Dutchman, who seems to be taking life at St Mary’s very much in his stride.

“He’s a confident boy,” said Fonte. “He’s only young as well, so it makes my job easier!”

Van Dijk became the most expensive defender in Saint history when he arrived from the Bhoys for a fee that could rise to £13m.

They landed their man after a long summer pursuit.

Fonte had some words of advice for the Dutchman when he first came to St Mary’s and told him not to put too much pressure on himself as he begins a new chapter.

“I just told him (that) it’s easy for him,” he said. “You see that he’s a quality player and when you have quality it’s easy to adapt.”

With a beaming smile, Fonte added: “And especially when you have a partner like me!”