Liverpool's record-breaking transfer fee is a compliment and not a burden, says Virgil van Dijk

For many a £75millon price tag around your neck could well cause problems in a new job, not for Virgil van Dijk though.

The Liverpool defender says he regards his world-record transfer as a compliment rather than a burden as he prepares to make his Premier League debut for the Reds.

The 26-year-old’s move from Southampton broke the record fee spent on a defender, set when David Luiz joined PSG from Chelsea, with the Merseysiders outbidding Manchester City to land the deal.

However, the towering centre-half says the pressure to perform does not make him nervous and that he’s delighted to be at the club.

“It doesn't make me nervous,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports. “It's a big compliment to myself for the hard work I've put in so far, that Liverpool are willing to pay that much money. I can't change anything about that.

“I think the size of the club, the fans, the players, the manager, the whole package here is amazing.

“You can see yourself that the atmosphere at every home game is amazing. I'm just very happy to play for the club.”