Liverpool hero Sami Hyypia admits he's a big fan of Virgil van Dijk.

Hyypia says he was convinced by Van Dijk's quality right away.

“I saw it right away when he came that he would be a very important part of the team," the Finn – who is set to represent Liverpool FC Legends against Milan Glorie on March 23 – told Press Association Sport.

“Straightaway he was organising the defence, he was the leader at the back, and as time has gone on he is even more important. He gives confidence to the players and makes many other players play better.

“It is very difficult to find a weakness. He is an ultimate centre-back and it would be a pleasure to play alongside him he is so good.

“He is so calm on the ball, he never seems in a hurry and he trusts his skills on the ball. It was the right decision [to sign him] because he is so important for the team, it doesn't matter how much he cost."