Sad reason why Virgil van Dijk doesn't have his surname on back of Liverpool shirt

Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in world football - and lifted his latest trophy for Liverpool after winning the Carabao Cup on Sunday.

The Dutchman's 118th-minute header secured a famous 1-0 win for Liverpool, who had five players aged 21 or under on the pitch at the full-time whistle.

The 31-year-old was appointed Liverpool's permanent captain at the beginning of the season, replacing the Saudi Pro League-bound Jordan Henderson.

This, therefore, was Van Dijk's first trophy as club skipper - and he marked the occasion in some style with his goal.

Over the years, fans will have undoubtedly noticed that the Liverpool number four doesn't play with his surname on the back of his shirt. He simply uses 'Virgil' instead.

According to Steven Fo Sieeuw, Van Dijk's uncle on his mother's side, Van Dijk dropped his second name because of his father.

Fo Sieeuw told The Sun back in 2018: "His dad split with his mother and three children, including Virgil.

"The truth is his dad was not around for so many important years, and it is his mother who is the real hero of this story.

"You don't take your dad's name off your shirt without a reason, and Virgil has made it very clear how he feels."

Meanwhile, Van Dijk did a post-match interview with Sky Sports on Sunday to reflect on his eighth trophy as a Liverpool player.

"Listen, we will never take things for granted, and you see today it could have been the other way as well, that we lost," he began.

"But we did a job, even with all the problems we have had before the game. I'm so proud, proud to be part of this club and especially proud of the boys.

"All the young boys on the pitch, in extra time. It's incredible, I'm so proud of the team.

"Intense game for both sides, they had chances and we had chances. Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain, it's all for the fans, so let's enjoy it."