Liverpool U18 coach Steven Gerrard admits he wanted to see Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk at Anfield two years ago.
Liverpool remain in the hunt for the Dutchman this month.
When asked how good a player Van Dijk is, Gerrard told BT Sport: “I think he's an amazing player.
“I think he would strengthen any team in the league.
“[From] what I have seen at Celtic, what suggested at Southampton, I was actually hoping we [Liverpool] would go make a bid for him when he came from Celtic.
“It was no surprise to me that he set the world alight at Southampton.
“You can understand why the fee is going to be huge if he eventually get this transfer over the line.
“You think of all them top four teams, even the top six, he'd make them all better."