New Liverpool signing Giovanni Leoni is looking forward to playing alongside his hero, Virgil van Dijk, at Anfield after completing a $35 million (£26 million) transfer at the end of the week.

Leoni arrives as one of the most highly rated young center-backs in the world, and he is keen to learn from Van Dijk.

"I am very happy to meet him, to train with him, and to play with him," Leoni told the Reds' official channels.

Arne Slot names Giovanni Leoni similarity with Virgil van Dijk during first Liverpool meeting	Giovanni Leoni training plan revealed as £26m signing awaits debut	Arne Slot pays Giovanni Leoni a massive compliment as brilliant exchange captured on camera

"For me, he is the best defender in the world and I want to meet him [as soon as] possible," Leoni had told the club website on Friday.

Giovanni Leoni is unveiled as a new Liverpool signing.

"It’s not possible to say no to this club," Leoni said.

I want to improve a lot with my new teammates in training and after on the pitch, in the Premier League and the Champions League."

Arne Slot met Leoni for the first time this weekend after the player watched Liverpool beat Bournemouth on Friday