Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has explained why he took the No4 shirt upon arriving from Southampton.

The Dutchman revealed Reds hero Sami Hyypia had a big say in his choice.

Van Dijk told liverpoolfc.com: "In Holland, No.3 and No.4 are the centre-back numbers. I had it at Groningen. And I know Sami Hyypia had it when he was here as well. He played for Willem II, where I played for 10 years; I saw him play for Willem II and Liverpool. It was always something special. It's a big number. I love to wear it and I'm very proud."

On playing with the outstanding Mohamed Salah, Van Dijk continued: “You can see his quality week in, week out. And with the goals he has scored as well. Even before I arrived I had seen so much of him – and when I played against Liverpool it was the same story. He is also a very good guy, is down to earth and works hard."