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 will replace the vacuum left by Henderson, who joined Saudi Arabian team Al-Ettifaq after being enticed to the Middle East and signing a £700,000-per-week contract.
Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2018 and has quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout performers, helping the team win its maiden Premier League title and sixth Champions League trophy.
He will take over the captaincy and becomes the first Reds defender to lead the team since Sami Hyypia vacated the armband in 2003.
After being named captain, Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com in Singapore: ‘[It’s] a really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, my family. 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. ‘Obviously, I’m captain of Holland, that was already such a huge honour, a proud moment as well. But also to be the captain of Liverpool Football Club is something that I can’t describe at this point.
‘It’s just something that makes me very proud and I will do everything in my power and what I can do to make everyone proud and happy with me and the football club.’
Should he be unavailable for matches next season the captain duties will be given to Alexander-Arnold who will provide support as vice-captain.
