NewsJoe Gomez on Virgil van Dijk captaincy: 'The way he does it speaks for itself'

Van Dijk was named as Jordan Henderson’s successor last summer following the midfielder’s departure, stepping into a role that he has also held at international level since 2018 for the Netherlands.

The centre-back has been a key part of the Reds’ leadership group since his arrival at Anfield and lifted his first piece of silverware as skipper in February, thanks to a thrilling extra-time Carabao Cup win over Chelsea at Wembley.

Asked about Van Dijk’s captaincy, Gomez told The Anfield Wrap: “100 per cent [proud]. I’m incredibly happy for him. I can’t put it into words. I know what it means for him, and I really get to see the inside and how things sometimes are tough.

“It’s a massively pressured position to be in; following Hendo’s footsteps after the year we had, a lot of unknowns and uncertainties, the way Virg has just stepped up and just taken every responsibility that comes with it.

“The little things that people might not see in a training ground when you need to make decisions or enforce moments when it’s like, ‘Lads, we need to be better at this’ or it might be timekeeping, it might be different things that you don’t want to slip out of place.

“Virg has done it in his own way, and it’s made him even more appreciated amongst us as a team. His ability speaks for itself; he’s the best at what he does, he’s the best in the world and probably the best the club has ever had in that position.

“But the way he has handled it off the pitch as a leader, and on the pitch, in moments when we’ve had tough defeats and it’s not even hesitation, he’ll step up and go and speak and represent us all and how we feel.

“It’s been a joy to watch, he has taken it more than in his stride. I’m so happy for him and I’m sure he’s incredibly proud to be captain of his country and his club. The way he does it speaks for itself.”