Virgil van Dijk has been named Liverpool’s new captain, with Trent Alexander-Arnold chosen vice captain, as Jurgen Klopp names his replacement for Jordan Henderson
The Netherlands defender was anticipated to fill the vacuum left by Henderson, who chose to join Saudi Arabian team Al-Ettifaq after being tempted to the Middle East and signing a record £700,000-per-week contract.
Van Dijk joined the Reds from Southampton in 2018 and has emerged as one of the club’s standout performers during a period in which the club won its maiden Premier League title and sixth Champions League trophy.
He will take over as captain, becoming the first Reds defender to do so since Sami Hyypia stepped down in 2003.
Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com in Singapore: ‘[It’s] a really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, for my family. It’s been a unique experience that I can’t quite put into words.
‘However, it’s something I’m quite proud of.’Obviously, I’m captain of Holland, which is a big honor and a happy occasion for me. But being captain of Liverpool Football Club is something I can’t describe right now.
‘It’s just something that makes me extremely proud, and I’m going to do everything in my power and what I can to make everyone proud of me and the football club.’
Van Dijk has captained the Netherlands since being named captain ahead of the 2022 World Cup, and he has clearly impressed Klopp enough to be named Liverpool’s new manager.
The 32-year-old has been crucial to the club’s success in recent years, but he has suffered serious injuries at various points during the last two seasons.
He missed 41 days last season due to a hamstring ailment and previously missed nearly the entire 2020/21 season due to cruciate ligament surgery.
If he is unable to play next season, the captaincy will go to Alexander-Arnold, who will serve as vice-captain.
The England international was born in the city and has been crucial to Liverpool’s trophy-chasing aspirations under Klopp.
Last season, his role in Liverpool’s set-up was called into doubt after the Reds struggled to find consistency and finished outside the Champions League places.
Alexander-Arnold recovered with a late flurry of solid midfield performances and is anticipated to be a fixture in Klopp’s starting lineup next season.
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