Liverpool defender Joel Matip on how Virgil Van Dijk arrival will change Reds

JOEL MATIP believes Virgil Van Dijk's arrival will push Liverpool on to greater things.

By Owen Fulda /

Joel Matip getty

Joel Matip welcomes the arrival of Virgil Van Dijk

The Dutchman is set to make his debut for the Reds in their FA Cup third-round derby with Everton.

His £75m switch from Southampton to Anfield has sent tongues wagging.

But rather than see Van Dijk as a threat, Matip has embraced the arrival of the most expensive defender in history.

“He's a very good centre-back," Matip told the Liverpool ECHO.

“Having more quality in the squad is a good thing.

"Of course it means more competition but that's what you expect at a big club like Liverpool.

Virgil Van Dijk GETTY

Virgil Van Dijk takes part in a Liverpool training session
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“Having more quality in the squad is a good thing”

Joel Matip

“In every position we have a lot of choice. That will help us going forward. Competition pushes players on.”

And with regard the way Jurgen Klopp will set up his defence with the £75m man, Matip was confident of his involvement.

“I don't think there will be a fixed system (at centre-back)," he added.

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    "Everyone will have a part to play as we compete in different competitions. I'm not worried about this.”

    The Cameroon international has started 16 of Liverpool's Premier League games this season.

    He missed five games in December with a thigh injury but is back in contention for the Merseyside derby tomorrow (7.55pm).

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