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Virgil van Dijk claimed Liverpool are on the verge of "something special" this coming campaign and backed new signing Alisson to star at Anfield.

Liverpool made Van Dijk the most expensive defender in football history when they paid Southampton the eye watering sum of £75million back in January, and the commanding centre-back helped the Reds to a Champions League runners-up medal.

The Netherlands captain was a big part of a defence that kept the highest amount of clean sheets since 2009, settling well alongside Dejan Lovren to help Jurgen Klopp's side record 17 shutouts last term.

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

And Van Dijk believes the Reds are on the cusp of greatness under Klopp this time around as they go in search of their first trophy since 2012's League Cup triumph.

"With the players we have and we had already last season we can compete in every competition," Van Dijk told Sky Sports.

"Hopefully we are going to do something special this year. I don't like to look too far ahead - we just need to do the talking on the pitch and make sure we perform well.

"Everyone in the squad wants to win something. We know it is going to be a very hard season. What can we achieve? Hopefully a lot - we will see."

One of the reasons for Van Dijk's confidence is the summer signing of Alisson from Roma.

Liverpool made the Brazilian the most expensive shot-stopper in history when they paid Roma £65million earlier this month and Van Dijk has been impressed by what he has seen of the Reds' latest addition.

(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Van Dijk added: "He is a quality keeper - that is for sure. We will see how he is going to fit in but he looks like a very good goalkeeper.

"He conceded a couple of goals against us [in the Champions League] but it can happen against us!"

Alisson is likely to make his Liverpool debut when the Reds play Napoli in Dublin on August 4.