Virgil van Dijk has proven himself as one of football's good guys after he surprised a lifelong Liverpool fan.
Reds centre back van Dijk went to visit Asda employee David Lyons at the Bootle branch of the supermarket, which he works at.
David's brother Ian sent a letter to the club which explained how his sibling has struggled through life and 'developed differently'.
Ian wrote: "When David was born he was starved of oxygen and since then he has always grown up a little bit differently than others. He struggled academically in school and socially.
"Since I can remember he has always been completely mad about Liverpool football club and as he grew up it turned into an obsession.
"It was and is a focus for him and I can honestly say it’s now, without question, the most important thing in his life."
The story pulled on the emotional heartstrings by those at Anfield and sent van Dijk out to surprise him.
The Dutch international wondered around the car park and asked the staff member: "Excuse me, sir, have you got a pound for a trolley, please?"
A stunned David replied: "Yes, when I seen you then I was starstruck."
"Ah don't be starstruck, man," replied van Dijk.
David was driven down to Liverpool's Melwood training ground where he met up with Mohamed Salah and posed for a picture before entering the complex through the player's door.
Van Dijk then gave David a personal tour around the HQ, as they bumped into other players who signed a Premier League ball for the VIP
David was not impressed with van Dijk's boots, jokingly complaining that they were blue.
Reds sponsors NIVEA MEN sorted out the special day before gifting David with an advent calendar, hospitality tickets for a home game over Christmas and to pay for all his away tickets for the rest of the season.
The day out with climaxed with a meeting with manager Jurgen Klopp, who gave David a massive hug.
Ian Broadfoot, Asda Bootle store manager said: “David is a very popular colleague at Asda Bootle with both customers and colleagues alike, he’s hard-working, dedicated and his personality shines through in his role.
"Everybody here knows about his passion for Liverpool FC and I couldn’t think of a better person to receive this recognition, he was totally made up by this surprise and we’ve not stopped hearing about it! We’re all really proud of him.”
