Virgil van Dijk ‘in love with Liverpool already’

Ian Watson

Virgil van Dijk has spoken of his delight at how his move to Liverpool is working out, with the club described as “the perfect fit”.

Van Dijk, the club’s £75million record signing and world’s most expensive defender, will be a key man in their defensive organisation when the Reds head to Man City on Tuesday for the Champions League quarter-final second leg with a 3-0 advantage following last week’s first meeting at Anfield.

The Holland captain, who spoke of how much he is enjoying working with Jurgen Klopp, has already made a difference since arriving from Southampton in January and insists he can cope with the focus and pressure.

“I’m never nervous. I am just excited. I think, ‘Look where I am. Playing for the semi-finals of the Champions League with my team. Just enjoy it and love it’,” he said.

“I always have been (calm), sometimes a little too much. Sometimes that cost me back in the day, to be fair. Sometimes you lose, but if you win the feeling is amazing.

“Every game you have to stand up, it is not only this night. I think it is only other people who put pressure on me, but I don’t care really.”

Prior to his arrival at Anfield there were suggestions Liverpool’s long-term pursuit was set to be hijacked by City, although Van Dijk would not be drawn on those claims.

“Southampton, Liverpool and me came to an agreement which was right for me and my family,” he said.

“These games were definitely a reason why I wanted to play for Liverpool. That is clear and I am enjoying every bit of it. I love the club already.

“Liverpool is the perfect fit. That is how it is and how I feel and I hope it will be like that for years to come.”