Defensive starlet Dylan Ryan has sealed a move from Liverpool to Dutch side Willem II and believes he benefited from playing alongside Mamadou Sakho at Anfield.
The Australian signed a youth deal with Liverpool only last year, but has now decided his future would be best served by developing in the Netherlands at Willem II.
The 16-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal with Willem II until the summer of 2020. He believes despite being at Liverpool for a short time, he learned much, not least from Sakho, who has been turning out for the Under-23s all season after falling out of favour with Jurgen Klopp in the summer.
"It was amazing to have trained there every now and then with guys like Mamadou Sakho", he told his new club's official site.
"I trained and played especially with the Under-23 team", Ryan explained.
relatedNewsStory
He has no doubt that switching to the Netherlands to continue his career is a smart move. Now Ryan is looking to kick on with his development at Willem II.
"This country is known as one of the best countries in the world for young players being able to develop", the Australian said.
"I am very happy with this move and to be able to develop at Willem II."
The defender trained with Willem II's second string side earlier this week and turned out in a friendly for 30 minutes on Tuesday night, with his side taking on RKSV Nuenen, a game they won 3-1.
