Sadio Mane happy to have Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane

Thursday Jan 04, 2018. 18:00

Senegal star Sadio Mane has welcomed Liverpool’s acquisition of defender Virgil van Dijk.

Mane played with the 26-year-old during his time at Southampton and believes the Dutchman adds quality to the Reds’ squad.

"I think he will be big for us and will help us. He is a great player. I think he will help the team," said the Senegal international.

Mane and his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah will both appear at tonight’s CAF Awards in Ghana, where the pair are on the shortlist for the African Player of the Year gong.

Liverpool have chartered a private jet to fly the pair to the event back so Mane - Salah is currently injured - will be available for the FA Cup third round tie at home to Everton on Friday evening.