Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool’s new captain (Photo: Getty)
Jose Enrique has named the two Liverpool players who he would have picked for the captaincy instead of Virgil van Dijk.
It was also announced that Trent Alexander-Arnold would be the new vice-captain, taking over the role from James Milner who had left Anfield for Brighton earlier in the summer.
Given how crucial Van Dijk has been to Jurgen Klopp’s side since becoming their record signing in 2018, plus his role as Netherlands captain, it was of little surprise to see the centre-back handed the armband.
However, not everyone believes the 32-year-old should have become Liverpool skipper, including the club’s former defender Enrique who thinks that there were two better candidates for the role.
‘I think it was unlikely that the next Liverpool captain would have been anyone other than Virgil van Dijk but if I was Jurgen Klopp I would have given it to either Andy Robertson or Alisson,’ he told Grosvenor Sport.
‘He might not have wanted to give it to Alisson because he is the goalkeeper and you want it to be someone who is actually playing out on the pitch but I think he would deserve it.
Jose Enrique thinks Andy Robertson should have been given the captain’s armband (Photo: Getty)
‘I don’t think Liverpool really have another Jordan Henderson, but I like Robertson a lot. Robertson is a good leader and he always gives everything.
‘Last year put me in a lot of doubt about Van Dijk and I know he had some injuries but last year I didn’t see the Van Dijk that I expected so that’s why I would have put Robertson ahead of him, but Klopp has gone with Van Dijk as the captain.’
Many thought that Robertson would be selected as the vice-captain ahead of Alexander-Arnold, on the basis of his seniority and experience.
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The 29-year-old has been Scotland skipper since 2018, has arguably been far more consistent than his fellow full-back, and scarcely missed a match last season, evening donning the armband for a couple of games.
Nevertheless, Van Dijk is hoping he can lead Liverpool back to glory following a disappointing 2022/23 campaign, though he has warned fans that they will need to be patient as the club is going through a transition period.
As well as losing key players like Henderson, Milner, Firmino and Fabinho, the Reds have several new faces to bed in, namely Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
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‘Last year put me in a lot of doubt about Van Dijk.’