Cody Gakpo admits Virgil van Dijk had a big influence on his move to Liverpool.

Van Dijk and departing PSV Eindhoven attacker Gakpo had spent the last few weeks together in the international set-up. The pair were part of the Netherlands outfit that were downed in the last eight at the World Cup, but following that they'd been in discussions over the phone regarding a potential reunion on Merseyside.

Gakpo told Liverpool's website on his discussions with Van Dijk: "At the moment I was calling [in] with the coach, he came into the office of the coach and then he saw me and we chatted a little bit. We spoke a lot over the phone [in] the last days. What he told me was that this is the right move for me to make and for me to develop and to become a better player.

"That the club is a really big and massive club but also like a real family – I think that's also very important for me because I'm a family guy. He said only good things. I'm also happy that he's here, so he can help me with some stuff. I'm really grateful to be here."

Van Dijk joined Liverpool in January five years ago and has enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Anfield. The Reds have failed to hit the heights of previous seasons so far and their immediate priority will be securing a spot in the top four."

Gakpo is confident he can join forces with the likes of Mohamed Salah to further the club this term.

He said on the Egyptian: "He's a fantastic player and I'm really looking forward to learning things from him and to see how he does things so I can also improve my game and that we can win a lot of games together."

The Dutchman then said on his own qualities: "I try to be a player who goes forward and tries to make dangerous situations for the opponent and create chances, make dribbles and give assists and goals. I hope that I can bring that also to the team."