Liverpool FC, competing in the English Premier League, announced today (Monday) the selection of Virgil van Dijk as the new team captain, while his teammate defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will serve as vice-captain. The 32-year-old Van Dijk, who also wears the captain's armband for the Dutch national team, will replace Jordan Henderson following the English midfielder's transfer to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, concluding a 12-year stint at Anfield.
In a statement, Van Dijk expressed: "Being chosen is a great honor for me, my wife, my children, and my family. It has a special taste, and words fail to describe how I feel at this moment. I feel immense pride." He added, "I will do everything in my power to make everyone proud and happy with me and the club."
Van Dijk further stated, "We also need to be a little patient, but we want to be there and show our abilities because we have a wonderful group of players, fans, and coaching staff." He mentioned that "it’s all about teamwork and maintaining consistent performance, and we hope to be able to demonstrate that."
Van Dijk has played 222 matches for the Merseyside giant since moving from Southampton in 2018.