Virgil van Dijk Appointed As Liverpool FC’s New Captain, and Trent Alexander-Arnold Becomes the Reds’ New Vice-Captain.

Virgil van Dijk has been appointed as  Liverpool FC’s new captain, following the departure of Jordan Henderson from the Reds, ending a 12-year stay at Anfield.

The Merseyside Club captaincy is one of the greatest honours that can be bestowed upon a player, and they each have their own leadership style that makes them the right person for the job, be it in action or words.

Liverpool have experienced various leadership methods over the years.

Henderson who left to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq last week, was a vocal leader who wore the armband for eight years and 268 matches, after taking over from legend Steven Gerrard in 2015, but his exit has forced a change.

Van Dijk has already started 43 games as captain having been third in line behind Henderson and James Milner, but he now assumes the top job.

“A really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, my family,” Van Dijk told the official website.

“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.”

In addition, Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been named as the Reds’ new vice-captain, taking over the responsibility from James Milner who joined Brighton in this transfer window.

The 24-year-old England international, joined Liverpool's academy in 2004 and captained the club across the youth level. 

Since 1959, Liverpool have had 20 different players permanently don the captain’s armband, and Van Dijk now makes it 21.

The centre-back, who also holds the same leadership role for his country, the Netherlands, and now for his club, is an honour that is not common but is indicative of the qualities he brings to both teams.

The 32-year-old might be coming off a worrying season, but he is still one of Jurgen Klopp’s most important players and perhaps the first name on the teamsheet.

Van Dijk has clocked up 222 appearances for Liverpool since moving to Anfield from Southampton in January 2018.

During that time, he has collected seven winner’s medals as he helped the Reds lift the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the FA Community Shield.

After narrowly missing out on an unprecedented quadruple in the 2021-22 season, winning two domestic cups, Liverpool will not feature in the Champions League for the first time under Jurgen Klopp since the German manager's first full season in 2016-17.

Liverpool prepares to face German giants Bayern Munich on Wednesday morning, before facing newly promoted Bundesliga side Damstadt, in Deepdale Stadium in Preston, England.

They begin their 2023/24 Premier League campaign away to Chelsea on Sunday, 13 August.