Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool’s new captain (Photo: Getty)
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.
It has also been announced that Trent Alexander-Arnold will become the 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.
‘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.’
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.
Many would have expected fellow full-back and Scotland skipper Andy Robertson to be selected, but Klopp has chosen the academy graduate instead.
More to follow…
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The Reds also have a new vice-captain…