Liverpool FC have a new captain: central defender Virgil van Dijk succeeds Jordan Henderson.
The Reds have announced a personnel on Monday evening. Coach Jürgen Klopp’s team has an official captain again: Virgil Van Dijk. The 32-year-old succeeds Jordan Henderson (33), who moved to Saudi Arabia to Al-Ettifaq and Steven Gerrard, not only to the displeasure of the fans.
Van Dijk is already captain of the Netherlands
The England midfielder is now followed by a Dutch defender and an absolute cornerstone of the Reds. Van Dijk, who already holds the captaincy in the Oranje team, is very much looking forward to his new role.
“It’s a really proud day for me, for my family. It’s a special feeling and I can’t really describe it at the moment,” van Dijk is quoted as saying on the Reds’ websire. After a brief hesitation, the 1.93-metre giant then thinks of a few things. It is great to be the new captain of LFC, “something I am very, very proud of”. He can’t compare it to the leadership role with the Netherlands, saying that both positions are “a great honour”.
Official: Virgil Van Dijk becomes new Liverpool captain. ©️ LFC
Trent Alexander-Arnold, new vice captain. pic.twitter.com/KTAZnjTDuc
– Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2023
Alexander-Arnold also receives more responsibility
One thing is certain for van Dijk: “I will do everything in my power and what I can do to make everyone proud and happy with me and the football club” – so not only himself. The same probably applies to Liverpool’s own Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is the new first deputy captain. This high responsibility could take the Englishman to a new level, believes his new captain.
Van Dijk has already made 206 appearances for Liverpool since his move to Anfield from Southampton in January 2018. In that time, he has won seven titles with Alexander-Arnold and Klopp’s Reds. That includes a Premier League triumph and one in the Champions League.
Under no circumstances does the Dutchman want to repeat a titleless season like the last one. The “painful” 2022/23 season should be followed by a successful one. As always, the fans and all employees will help, says van Dijk. Meanwhile, the players and the new arrivals are called upon to deliver more consistent performances again.