Liverpool could have a change of club captain as momentum grows to give the armband to Virgil van Dijk as he excels on and off the pitch.
I have no desire to see Jordan Henderson lose the Liverpool captaincy. Equally I have a growing hunger to see Virgil van Dijk have the armband. Both of those things can’t happen and so one has to give; increasingly, at least for me, I want van Dijk to be the captain.
Filling Steven Gerrard’s iconic boots was always going to be a difficult task for anyone. Henderson has not fallen under the weight of pressure and expectation and has been a good performer and worthy holder of the captain role.
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Always professional and, clearly, a willing team player to lead Jurgen Klopp’s men and the tactical systems he wants to implement. He has deserved he place in the team and the captain’s armband – despite a portion of the fanbase who are desperate to tell you otherwise.
The issue is not with Henderson. However the reality is the leadership and quality of Virgil van Dijk is becoming irresistible.
The Dutchman is the leader on the field. He is the one who is most vocal and ensuring all around him are doing their jobs.
The way he has shepherded Joe Gomez into being an excellent Premier League center back in just 3 months is remarkable. And as the opening goal against Fulham last weekend proved, he is also marshaling the Liverpool attack – it was his imploring of Alisson to move the ball early that led to the goal.
The real question for me is not ‘should’ van Dijk be given the captaincy – but will Klopp actually make that decision. I suspect it would only come in between seasons, and frankly may not come at all while Henderson is still at the club.
But if Fabinho and Naby Keita establish themselves as first choice players – and Gini Wijnaldum continues his excellent form – the van Dijk will end up having the armband most Saturdays anyway.