Virgil van Dijk Announced As Liverpool’s New Captain

Liverpool have officially confirmed Virgil van Dijk as their new club captain following the departure of Jordan Henderson.

Henderson had worn the armband for eight years, leading the Reds to their first Premier League title as well as Champions League glory, but controversially left for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq earlier in July.

Many expected Van Dijk, Liverpool’s record signing and one of the world’s best defenders, to be selected as their new skipper and that news was confirmed on Monday evening.

Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold Lead Liverpool

It has also been announced that Trent Alexander-Arnold will become the new vice-captain, taking over from James Milner who left for Brighton on a free earlier this summer.

‘[It’s] a really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, my family,’ Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com. ‘It’s been a special feeling and I can’t really describe it at this point. But it’s something that I’m really, really proud of.

The 32-year-old joined Liverpool for £75million from Southampton in January 2018 and has been a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s side ever since, pivotal to their successful, trophy-laden last few seasons.

While his appointment as captain is not a surprise, it is interesting to see Alexander-Arnold selected as his vice given who else could have taken the role.

Alexander-Arnold’s Rise to Vice-Captain

Many would have expected fellow full-back and Scotland skipper Andy Robertson to be picked, but Klopp has chosen the academy graduate instead.

The 24-year-old is considered one of the best right-backs in the world with a remarkable 16 goals and 72 assists in 273 games for his boyhood club so far.

‘It’s a proud moment for him obviously and his family,’ Van Dijk said of Alexander-Arnold’s appointment. ‘I think he’s in a phase now where he has to make that transition of becoming a big leader for the football club. I think he will make those steps.

‘And with the help obviously of myself and the others, Robbo [Robertson], Ali [Alisson Becker], Mo [Mohamed Salah], obviously the manager, he can make the next step.

‘I think to give that responsibility to him could definitely even more benefit him as well. So it’s a very good choice. Obviously the others as well, they are as important and we all have to make sure that we take the responsibility.’

Liverpool Look Ahead

Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold will now lead Liverpool into the 2021/22 season with high hopes of continuing their success both domestically and in Europe.

The Reds have won three major trophies in the last two seasons, including their first Premier League title last term, and will be hoping to add more silverware to their collection next year.

With Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold at the helm, Liverpool will be confident of achieving their goals and continuing to dominate English football for years to come.

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