Jurgen Klopp has praised Virgil van Dijk after the Liverpool defender was named club captain following Jordan Henderson’s departure this summer.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the Anfield boss praised the Dutchman, who replaced Henderson as Liverpool’s new captain this summer.
The 32-year-old has impressed on and off the pitch this season and Klopp has now said he has been impressed by how good Van Dijk has been as captain and Henderson’s successor.
The Liverpool manager said: “I was really hoping we would win but I wasn’t sure. I’m very happy with the way the players have developed, especially Virgil.
“Virgil has enjoyed being part of the management team over the past few years, but is now also enjoying his new role. Trent is on the rise and Robbo, Mo and Ali are natural leaders. “He’s not the guy you talk to all week, but when he says something, it matters and everyone listens.
“Klopp made the right decision in appointing Van Dijk as Liverpool captain. Appointing a Liverpool captain is never easy, but Klopp could not have picked a better candidate for the role than Van Dijk this summer.
The Dutchman’s recruitment was done with respect and commitment, and as a result of this new role, Van Dijk’s performances this season have improved dramatically.
The defender has indeed returned to his best form for Liverpool and it was a stroke of genius for Klopp to appoint van Dijk as Liverpool captain this summer.
