Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Liverpool, Virgil Van Dijk, Football
Marcus Chan
Virgil van Dijk has introduced a new rule that didn’t exist when Jordan Henderson was the Liverpool captain.
During the summer transfer window, then Liverpool skipper Henderson left Anfield to join up with Reds legend Steven Gerrard at Saudi Professional League side Al Ettifaq.
As James Milner also left the club, a new captain and vice-captain had to be appointed.
Jurgen Klopp handed the captain’s armband to Van Dijk whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold was named vice-captain during Liverpool's pre-season tour in Asia.
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In his first major change since being appointed as the club’s new skipper, Van Dijk has introduced a team huddle before kick-off in a bid to give the players some last-minute inspiration.
As per The Echo, Van Dijk said: “It was something that we did when I was a Celtic player.
“And I always liked it because I thought it set the tone for the game and it also gave the crowd a signal that we were ready to go.”
The Dutchman added: “It can also help the atmosphere with it being so close to the match starting, so if our fans want to join in by building up the noise and adding to the sense of anticipation I certainly won't complain, even if it makes it difficult for me to make myself heard.”
Speaking about the club’s captaincy, Van Dijk said: “This club has had some incredible captains over the years, leaders who would bring the best out of themselves and their team time and time again.
“So to be on the list with people like that is definitely not the kind of thing that I would have expected when I started playing.
“But the most important thing for me is that I am part of a team of leaders, individually, who find their own way to take responsibility no matter who is wearing the armband.”
Liverpool have had a decent start to the Premier League season as they currently sit fourth in the table, three points behind table-topping Tottenham Hotspur.
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