Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has praised his defence after a clean sheet in Monday night's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Roy Hodgson's efficient and direct 4-4-2 system tested Liverpool's back four. However, Palace were unable to carve out many clear cut chances. Christian Benteke was especially quiet under the marking of Virgil van Dijk, and Klopp singled out the Dutchman for his performance.

He told Sky Sports: "They play a system they play all the time with high-quality players. They are a really good football team with a simple, but clear plan. They tried to cause us problems with the long balls. I don't know a lot of centre-backs in the world who can deal with Christian Benteke like Virgil van Dijk did tonight.

"It was difficult for us to be completely safe in this situation but we were there and we helped each other avoid big problems. It was not a brilliant performance - our full-backs can play 70 or 80% better - but I'm very happy with the result."