Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has sent a message to Jurgen Klopp that he is ready to take over the captaincy on a full-time basis. The Dutchman claims Jordan Henderson will be missed but says other players in the squad must now step up.
Henderson completed a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq last week. It brought an end to a 12-year stay at Anfield for the midfielder.
Van Dijk has worn the armband on numerous occasions in the absence of Henderson in recent years. He appears to be the nailed-on favourite to take it on a full-time basis.
The 32-year-old has paid tribute to the departed former skipper. And he has made it clear to Klopp that it would be a huge honour to replace Henderson permanently.
Van Dijk said: “Henderson is going to be a big miss for us, as a player but definitely as a leader, as a captain. He is someone who has been so important for us in our success over the last years, so we’re going to miss him, we’re going to miss him a lot.
“But that’s part of football as well, players come and go, and others have to step up now and that’s the reality. I’ve been captaining the side multiple times and it’s always a proud moment to do that.
“We will see what the future brings but it would be a huge honour to captain the side. I see leaders definitely, and definitely players who can become that leader of the team.
“Obviously it’s not overnight that these things happen but definitely we have a lot of players who can take that responsibility and have to take that responsibility, so I’m confident that that will happen. But obviously, those names who left us were very important for us with their experience and obviously the quality they have as well, but others have to step up now.”
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