Virgil van Dijk discusses the role he played in Liverpool’s new signing of Cody Gakpo

Virgil van Dijk discusses the role he played in Liverpool’s new signing of Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo needs time, according to Virgil van Dijk, before Liverpool can expect to see him at his best, but the defender believes the forward will develop into a “vital” member of the team.

The Dutch international, who was just acquired from PSV for an initial £37 million, has been in outstanding form for both club and country, and our No. 4 is eager to watch him excel in the Premier League.

Cody Gakpo (Getty images)

“Hopefully (he will bring) a lot,” the Reds defender said (as quoted by The Athletic).

“Good player, good boy. I know how it is to come in in January. We have to give him time and I’m very sure that the Liverpool fans will give him that time.

“We’re family and the real ones who always back him no matter what. He has to keep his head down no matter what happens, fight, enjoy the moment and be important for the football club.”

The 23-year-old was reportedly on Manchester United’s radar, but Jurgen Klopp’s team moved quickly and might be able to use him for tomorrow’s trip to west London to face Brentford.

According to reports, van Dijk was a key factor in the winger choosing Liverpool over other teams who were interested in signing him, but the former Southampton defender stated he didn’t do much to persuade our new No. 18.

“I think that’s an exaggeration. I spoke to him, and I can only say good things,” he added.

“If it was me, it was an easy decision to make and I didn’t need to convince him. If there were any questions he asked me, I gave him the honest answer. I’m very glad that he’s here.”

In other news, Jamie Carragher tells Liverpool the midfield signing Liverpool need more than Jude Bellingham