You can’t say he doesn’t deserve it.
Liverpool supporters have responded with what can probably be best described as “parental pride” today after Ronald Koeman announced the appointment of Reds centre-back Virgil van Dijk as the new Netherlands captain.
The former Southampton defender – who arrived at Anfield for a record fee of £75 million in January – has slotted seamlessly into Jurgen Klopp’s defence and provided much needed stability when partnered with either Dejan Lovren or Joel Matip.
That stellar form has now been rewarded by Dutch manager Koeman, who confirmed the decision at a press conference today ahead of tomorrow’s international friendly with England.
“To be named international captain of Holland is very special and does a lot for me,”said Van Dijk of the decision. “It’s going to be very special. Against England is a little bit more special.”
Delighted Liverpool supporters responded gleefully, with many putting the 26-year-old’s name forward as potential captain of the club in the near future.
https://twitter.com/WiggzLFC/status/976846153919729665
Virgil Van Dijk has been confirmed as the new captain for the Netherlands
فان دايك كابتن هولندا الجديد يستاهل الذيب 👏🏻👏🏻— SAMI LFC (@lovelysami82) March 22, 2018
Virgil Van Dijk confirmed as the new captain of the Netherlands national team.
my man.
— JAKE 🫡 (@Jakebrown1994) March 22, 2018
Virgil van Dijk has been confirmed as the new captain of the Netherlands' national team.🙌🏾🔴
Congratulations, @VirgilvDijk.
— We are LIVERPOOL. (@k_dreads1) March 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/Koloholic/status/976856510423855104
Holland manager and huge Red Ronald Koeman has just confirmed that Virgil van Dijk is the new captain of the Netherlands 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/Dlq4Ch4NjL
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) March 22, 2018