Ragnar Klavan believes the heightened competition for places will serve Liverpool well as they prepare to fully implement Jurgen Klopp’s ‘fighting football’ template in 2016-17.
The centre-back, recruited from Augsburg in a three-year deal for a fee of £4.2 million, is highly regarded by the manager and solidifies the club’s options in defence.
The 30-year-old is one of four signings acquired from the Bundesliga under the German, and Klavan believes the business the Reds have done thus far will push players to constantly perform at their optimal level.
"It's a big club so wherever you go at this level you are going to face a fight to secure a place in the team," he said after a Friday morning session at Stanford University, the club’s primary base in the United States.
"It's a nice challenge that helps everyone because you have to give your best in training every day.
"It's a great test for me. For 22 years it's been my dream to play in England.
"I know it's going to be tough, but I've taken it on because I want this challenge."
OFFICIAL: Liverpool sign Wijnaldum
Klavan highlighted the addition of Joel Matip and Loris Karius - two talents he has observed closely - as coups for Liverpool.
"Both Loris and Joel were one of their best in their positions in the Bundesliga last season," he said.
"I am really happy to see them here because they have a lot of quality, and they're good guys as well."
The Estonia captain also praised Alex Manninger’s professionalism after the 39-year-old inked a one-year deal to serve as the third-choice goalkeeper.
Klopp described the seasoned stopper as "an educator," and Klavan is confident he will provide a great example at Liverpool.
"Everybody knows he's 39 and the kind of role he will have at the club. He's a true professional," the defender said.
"Last season when he was second choice at Augsburg, he was still the most professional player in the squad.
"He would always be the first one in for training and the last one to leave.
"That was over the entire season. It's nice to have him on the training field and also in the locker room. He's a great example to the young lads."
- Goal