Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp felt their world record deal for Virgil van Dijk was transformative.

He believes passionately that the day the Dutch colossus signed, was the moment his club proved they could match the super-rich super-clubs, and compete on their level. A “massive statement", he calls it.

“I was not surprised when the decision was made, but I was not sure before because I knew who else was in the race for him. It was a big moment for him and for us as well. It was a massive statement, that is true," Klopp explained.

“In that moment he was the most wanted centre half, maybe with Laporte and Koubaily as well, but in England it was for sure Virgil.

“These things are so important for us, so important, but it is not only him. When Virgil made his decision it was a fantastic day."

The Dutchman added: "I told him what we wanted to do in the next couple of years and what the plan is, who we have, who we plan to bring in and things we want to improve. Obviously he listened and thought it sounded exciting."