Virgil van Dijk recalls secret text from Jordan Henderson that convinced him to join Liverpool in 2018

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Liverpool may need to pick themselves a new captain ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Reds have not had much passing of the armband over recent times, with only three permanent captains in place since Steven Gerrard took over from Sami Hyypia in 2003.

Since then, both Jordan Henderson and then Virgil van Dijk have skippered the side with distinction.

Despite leaving under something of a cloud in 2023, Henderson was a superb captain for Liverpool.

Part of his remit, as Gerrard’s had been, was convincing potential new signings that a move to Anfield was the best thing for their career.

And as Van Dijk has revealed this Christmas, the 34-year-old was absolutely key to him making that decision back in 2017.

Virgil van Dijk recalls secret Jordan Henderson text

Henderson did not have the star power of a Gerrard, or a Van Dijk. But a text from the midfielder seven years ago appeared to do the trick.

Van Dijk supposedly did not need much convincing to join Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp already a big draw for the Dutchman.

But speaking to Amazon Prime Sport about his then record £75m signing, Henderson says he still sent a little message to Van Dijk just to sweeten the pot.

“From where I was sitting he was a bargain,” says the now Ajax player. “I spoke to Virgil before he came, ask him what I sent him in the text.”

READ MORE: Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson says there something he ‘feels like’ will happen with Virgil van Dijk

With the camera then cutting to Van Dijk, the 33-year-old smiles but says he will not reveal what Henderson messaged him.

“You want me to say it but this will come out one day, it’s gold dust guys!” laughs the captain. “I can only say everything he said came true, yeah.”

What else did Henderson say about Van Dijk?

This was an interesting little video that chartered Van Dijk’s journey from prospect at Groningen to the superstar he is today with Liverpool.

Henderson’s appearance is a nice surprise given that the former captain hasn’t had loads to say about Liverpool over recent times.

But asked to speak about his teammate of five-and-a-half years, Hendo is not shy at all.

“Immense, the best defender by far in the world,” he raves. “What he gives you as a team is something that no other defender can give you.”

“He solves so many problems on his own because of how quick he is, how strong he is, how good he is in the air, how good he is on the ball. Unique, yeah.”