Ben Davies has vowed to seize his ‘huge opportunity’ at Liverpool.
Confirmation of Davies’ move to the Premier League champions from Preston North End arrived just hours before Monday’s January transfer deadline.
The 25-year-old’s £2 million arrival sees Sepp van den Berg heading to Deepdale on loan as the Reds attempt to bolster their centre-back ranks.
Davies has been handed the no.28 shirt previously worn by Steven Gerrard, Danny Ings and Stephen Warnock among others in the Premier League era.
And he admits that he is keen to make the most of his surprise switch to Anfield, which will added fresh options for Jurgen Klopp’s side in defence.
“It’s a huge opportunity,” said Davies.
“Obviously it came as a bit of a surprise when it first came, but once you start to get your head around it, the opportunity that is in front of me is incredible.
“I’d be silly to not make the most of it and learn off the players [here].
“I want to get my foot in the door and make myself a Premier League player rather than obviously a Championship player, and then take it from there really,” he added.
“I know we’ve got some top players here and players I can certainly learn from. Once you get your foot in the door then you’re here as well.
“Hopefully I can take my chance and then move forward with it.
“I’m looking forward to coming in and playing in front of everyone and showing everyone what I can do.
“I’m sure a lot of fans and people don’t know [me], or haven’t even seen me play.
“It’s definitely an exciting time and I think they’ll quite enjoy watching me when I’m playing well.”
Klopp explained his reasons for Davies’ left-field signing and what supporters can expect from the versatile defender now he is in Liverpool’s ranks.
“We see the quality and we see the potential as well because he’s 25 and there’s a lot to come for him,” he told the club’s official website.
“I love a lot about his play.
“He’s a really good footballer, looks like a proper leader in this Preston team, good in challenges, looks football smart, can play different positions because he played in a back three and a back four and all these things.
“That makes him really interesting so I’m really looking forward to working with him.
“I know for him it’s an opportunity and I see it exactly the same for us, that it’s a really good thing to do.”