This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
Manchester United's new £80 million signing, Harry Maguire, will face intense scrutiny after becoming the world's most expensive defender. Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, who previously held the record at £75 million, has offered some advice to his new counterpart.
Van Dijk, who joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2018, has been a key player in the team's success, helping them win the Champions League and reach the Premier League title race.
Speaking to British media, Van Dijk acknowledged that the price tag comes with pressure, but emphasized that it doesn't change the fact that Maguire will always face pressure at a big club like Manchester United.
"The price comes with pressure but it doesn't change too much because you always have pressure at big clubs like Man United," Van Dijk said.
He added that being able to keep things in perspective had helped him cope with the pressure and the occasional wind-up from opponents.
"Just focus on doing what you love to do and play your best game. Get your qualities out on the pitch, enjoy your game and don't think about the other things," Van Dijk advised Maguire.
