Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has backed Virgil van Dijk to become a leader both on and off the pitch at Anfield.

On Wednesday, Liverpool announced the signing of the centre-back from Southampton for a fee which could rise to £75m, and the Netherlands international will officially complete a move on January 1.

Wijnaldum has played alongside Van Dijk on the international scene, and the midfielder has admitted that he is delighted to see his compatriot joining him on Merseyside.

The 27-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I was really happy when I spoke with him on the phone, I told him I was happy he was going to come and join us, and now there will be a little bit of Dutch support in the changing room.

"I think outside of the pitch he is a normal person, he's easy going and relaxed and I think everyone in the club will like him.

"On the pitch, from what I saw in the national team he is a leader, trying to help everyone, help with the defensive line, so I think he will help us in the team."

Van Dijk could make his first appearance for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby against Everton in the FA Cup on January 5.