Liverpool have one of the most talented squads in world football at the minute. The Reds, as a result, have a host of players consistently picked for their national sides. Not only that but a number of Reds consistently take the armband for their country. Kopites have been buzzing after Gini Wijnaldum was named interim Netherlands captain in the absence of Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk injury
Liverpool fans will find it hard to forget the events of the Merseyside Derby.
The Reds saw their talismanic centre back struck down by injury in this season’s showpiece fixture at Goodison Park.
Early on in the game the Dutchman was scythed down by Jordan Pickford, the keeper recklessly lunging at the defender’s legs.
Virg limped off whilst Pickford went unreprimanded by the officials, a controversial call to say the least.
A day later we learned that the centre back would be out for the season with an ACL rupture.
Wijnaldum Netherlands Captain
Given that Van Dijk is out for the season, his national side needs a new skipper.
The centre back wasn’t just a leader for his club but also his nation, leaving a vacuum for the Orange.
New boss Frank de Boer has revealed that Gini Wijnaldum will be the Netherlands captain whilst Virgil recovers, the boss saying of the situation (via NOS):
“It’s of course sad that Virgil is not there. That’s a great loss.
“You only need to look at his achievements in recent years and what kind of personality he is within the group. But as always: as the one king falls away, the next king must rise.”
Fans delighted
We have a team of leaders, national captains galore.
Some fans believe the Dutchman is incredibly underrated.
Whilst others just want him to celebrate…with a new contract.
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