Liverpool confirm Virgil Van Dijk as new club captain | OneFootball

Liverpool have confirmed Virgil Van Dijk as their new club captain, with Trent Alexander-Arnold taking up the role of vice-captain.

When speaking about the decision in an interview posted the club’s website, Van Dijk stated: “[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.”

The defender further expressed his pride when saying: “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 signed for The Reds from Southampton in January 2018, and has since gone on to have an extremely successful spell at the side, staking his claim as one of the greatest centre-backs in Premier League history. In his 222 appearances for Jürgen Klopp’s side, he has been a pivotal figure in helping the club win a Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the FA Community Shield.

The Dutchman has been named as the club’s new captain following the departure of Jordan Henderson to Al Ettifaq for £13m- where he will play under fellow former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. Henderson had been at the Merseyside club since 2011, but agreed a move to the Saudi Arabian side in a deal that has been reported to be worth up to £700,000 per week.

Van Dijk will lead his side out as official club captain for the first time on August 13, when Liverpool travel to Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea in their first Premier League game of the season.

Travis Levison | Get Football