Jurgen Klopp says 32-year-old Liverpool player has surprised him in new role this season

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Jurgen Klopp has lauded Virgil van Dijk after the Liverpool defender was named club captain after Jordan Henderson’s departure this summer.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the Anfield boss was full of praise for the Dutch international, who this summer succeeded Henderson as Liverpool’s new permanent skipper.

The 32-year-old has impressed this season both on and off the pitch, and Klopp has now said that Van Dijk has surprised him with how good he has been as a captain and succeeding Henderson.

The Liverpool manager said: “I was very hopeful that we could deal with it but I was not sure, and I’m really happy the way the boys have grown into it, especially Virgil.

“Virgil has enjoyed being part of the leadership group in the last few years but now he enjoys the new role as well. Trent is growing into it, then there’s also Robbo, Mo and Ali is a natural leader.

“He’s not the one that is talking the whole week but when he says something it’s important and everybody listens.”

Klopp made the right decision in naming Van Dijk Liverpool captain

Naming a Liverpool captain is never an easy task, yet Klopp could not have chosen a better candidate for the role in Van Dijk this summer.

The Dutchman has taken the armband with respect and commitment, and Van Dijk’s performances have taken a dramatic uptick as a result of this new role this season.

Indeed, the defender is back to his best at Liverpool, and Klopp’s decision to name Van Dijk Liverpool captain has been a masterstroke by the Reds boss this summer.