Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk insists the £75m price tag is a big compliment to his hard work, and does not make him nervous Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk insists the £75m price tag is a big compliment to his hard work, and does not make him nervous

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk insists the £75m price tag is a big compliment to his hard work, and does not make him nervous.

The Dutchman completed his move from Southampton to Anfield on January 1 and marked his debut with an 84th-minute winner against Everton in the FA Cup third round.

Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher, Van Dijk insists the hefty price tag, which made him the most expensive defender on the planet, does not faze him.

"It doesn't make me nervous, 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."

Chelsea and current Premier League leaders Manchester City were thought to be interested in the defender over the past year, but Van Dijk chose Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool after a move broke down in the summer.

Van Dijk scored the winner on his debut against Everton

Asked why he chose Liverpool, Van Dijk, who also played for Celtic for two seasons, said: "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."

You can catch the extended interview between Carragher and Van Dijk on the Premier League Today programme, on Sky Sports Premier League from 6pm on Friday.

And you can catch Liverpool v Man City on Super Sunday from 3.30pm on Sky Sports Premier League