Image Credits: Imago Images
Virgil van Dijk’s comments about the captaincy always carry a bit of extra weight when you remember how recently his own journey with the armband began. In the summer of 2023, after Jordan Henderson’s move to Al-Ettifaq and James Milner’s free transfer to Brighton, Liverpool confirmed Van Dijk as the new club captain with Trent Alexander-Arnold stepping up as his deputy.
It was the natural next step for a defender who had already worn the armband on numerous occasions and was widely regarded as the dressing room’s standard‑setter.
The appointment has since taken on historic significance. When Liverpool stormed to the 2024/25 Premier League title, Van Dijk became the first Dutch player ever to captain a side to the trophy.
He has often spoken about learning the finer details of leadership from Henderson and Milner, whether it was the way they set standards in training, held team-mates accountable or represented the club off the pitch.
He credits that experienced pair with showing him what it means to be Liverpool captain day-to-day, and has repeatedly said his aim is to maintain those standards in his own way rather than trying to be “the next Henderson or Milner”.
But Van Dijk will be 35 later this year and will not be at Liverpool forever. He was recently quizzed on whether he feels that Dominik Szoboszlai could succeed him as Reds skipper, and gave his blessing but stressed it was up to the manager:
“That’s all on the manager I think. I don’t know. Yeah,” was Van Dijk’s response when asked whether Szoboszlai could eventually inherit the armband as quoted by Sky Sports.
“Obviously he has been very good. Also a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team.”
“It starts by leading by example and that’s something he has done so far this season.
“But also everything around it; there is still progress to be made and that’s a good thing in my opinion so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool.”
It comes after the Hungarian’s agent addressed Real Madrid links this week.
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