Why Virgil van Dijk is the ideal captaincy candidate for Liverpool
According to reports in the Guardian, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said centre-back Virgil van Dijk will thrive as the captain of the club following a vote among the squad. The Reds boss had asked his players to choose the captain and the vice-captain before the Champions League game against Red Star Belgrade, and van Dijk unanimously got the vote for the captaincy.
This happened because club captain Jordan Henderson is injured and vice-captain James Milner is easing his way back into the line-up after a hamstring injury just before the international break. (Guardian)
In truth, the way van Dijk leads the team from the back without the armband is pretty easy to spot. Liverpool have looked rock solid after his arrival for £75m in January this year. The Dutchman has been a colossus at the back and he also helps other defenders to be in the right position to defend a particular attack from the opposition – a sign of a leader.
Hence, if the players have voted for him to be the skipper in the absence of Henderson and Milner, it is definitely the right choice. The 27-year-old oozes class on the pitch, significantly improving the Liverpool defence in a trice.
His presence helped the Reds to make a run to the final of the Champions League last season. The Dutchman has a crucial role to play if the Merseysiders are to be successful this season too.
They have only conceded three goals in 10 league games, and three goals in three European games.
This kind of record is held by teams who challenge for the title and Liverpool are one of the competitors for Manchester City in the league.
Verdict
There are many players who arrive at the new club and take a bit of time to settle. They usually buy some time to get used to the situation in the new surroundings before delivering the goods.
With van Dijk, the case has been a little different. The Dutchman imposed his authority in central defence from the first game he played. From that night onwards, he hasn’t looked back and Liverpool are reaping rich rewards from it.
He is already the captain of the Netherlands national team, hence, he has the experience of how to officially lead a team out. Playing at centre-back, he is expected to start most games for Liverpool.
Normally, the player who plays most games should get the armband to keep the continuity going. And van Dijk does that at Anfield.
Therefore, for all the above reasons, the 27-year-old is an ideal candidate to captain Liverpool in the long run.