The Dutchman has arrived from Brisbane Roar ahead of the Asian Champions League campaign with fellow recruit Nigel Boogaard also reporting for duty.

Just over a week out from the first match against reigning Asian club champions Pohang Steelers, Reds boss Aurelio Vidmar is excited to have the duo at his disposal, van Dijk bringing a record of a goal every two games during his time at Roar, and Boogaard coming off another solid season in defence for the Mariners.

"They're a couple of players that have got a fair bit of experience and certainly we're extremely happy that they've come here to help us with the ACL, so we're very rapt to have those two boys join the club, and we look forward to their commitment to the Adelaide United Football Club," Vidmar said.

Van Dijk was enticed by the lure of pitting himself against some of the biggest clubs in Asia and he is eager to show his goal scoring exploits on the Asian stage.

"I think it's really great for a player to be able to play in the AFC Champions League, and I got the chance to do it here in Adelaide, and I didn't have to think that long so I'm here," van Dijk said.

When asked whether he thinks he can roll his ominous A-League goal scoring form over into the AFC Champions League, van Dijk is optimistic.

"I hope so," he said. "That's what a striker is for and I have to do my best to do what is important for the team and I hope I can help the guys over here."

The Dutch marksman has often been a nemesis for the Reds when he has led the line for Roar in the past, but now he will be hoping to find the back of the net for the Reds, and even though he has limited time to acquaint himself with his new team mates, he believes it will be long enough to form a formidable combination on the pitch.

"In a week's time it is serious business and we have to do our best to work together and adapt straight away into the team, but I'm confident that will help and I hope I can do the scoring for them instead of against Adelaide United," van Dijk said.

Although he admitted it was not the way he wanted to finish his time with the Mariners, Boogaard said it is a bitter sweet feeling to be available to compete in the prestigious Asian club competition with United.

"Obviously I'm down here now and I get to train with the boys tonight so I'm excited," Boogaard said.

"It has been a long time coming, I had to finish up my commitments on the Central Coast, unfortunately we didn't make the semis, but it has worked out well now as I can play with Adelaide in the ACL."

The 23 year-old was part of the Mariners' first AFC Champions League journey in 2009, and after the team from Gosford failed to progress past the Group Stage, he says he wants to prove a point if given another chance in Asia.

"I was very disappointed with the way we (the Central Coast Mariners) finished our (ACL) campaign as a team and personally, and hopefully this time around I can get on the park and really set things right for myself," Boogaard said.

"There are obviously quality players here (at Adelaide United) and I can do the right thing and get a call up. Hopefully if I do get a chance then I can help at the back and maybe secure up a defensive role."

Ending their A-League season with back to back victories, United go into the AFC Champions League with a spring in their step, and Vidmar says the team is building up to a full on assault as it attempts to replicate its run in the 2008 Asian Champions League, which saw the Reds go undefeated in the Group Stage and finish top of the group on their way to the final.

"We go back to the track tonight so we're fully focused on what's going to be a massive task for us but also a massive occasion for the club," Vidmar added.

"As I've said we've got a few new boys that will meet the group and then start working together and see how they're going to fit in with us, so we're really excited about the prospects of them joining us, and we're really excited about playing in the Asian Champions League.

"It has come around very quickly and before we know it, tomorrow week we'll be ready to rock n' roll."