31 July 2023 , 18:33
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Jurgen Klopp couldn't keep the smile off his face as he informed Liverpool academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold that he would be the Reds' new vice-captain in a touching moment caught on camera.
Former skipper Jordan Henderson quit Anfield last week to complete a lucrative switch to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by Reds legend Steven Gerrard.
Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk has donned the armband during pre-season in Henderson's absence, and the club confirmed on Monday evening that Van Dijk would take the captaincy role on a permanent basis, with Alexander-Arnold, 24, named as the Reds' new vice-captain.
In a clip shared on Liverpool's official website and social media channels, Alexander-Arnold was taken to one side by Klopp during an open training session in Singapore.
And the Reds chief could hardly wipe the smile off his face as he informed the right-back, who has established himself as one of the club's most influential players during the German's reign, of his decision.
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Alexander-Arnold embraced the Reds chief during the brief discussion, which has already garnered plenty of traction online from Liverpool fans. The England star also reacted to the news himself by sharing an Instagram post of him standing next to Van Dijk with the caption: "We're ready", complete with an emoji resembling the captain sign.
The decision to hand Van Dijk the captain's armband on a permanent basis comes after the former Southampton man deputised for Henderson on a number of occasions.
The 32-year-old, who is the captain of the Netherlands national team, felt like the natural fit to step in once it had been confirmed that Henderson had agreed terms with Al-Ettifaq, who lured him to the Middle East with a financial package worth £700,000-a-week.
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And Van Dijk was quick to talk up how the decision to hand Alexander-Arnold such a prominent role could help take his game to the next level.
Speaking shortly after the announcement had been confirmed on Monday, Van Dijk told the club's website : “It’s a proud moment for him obviously and his family.
“I think he’s in a phase now where he has to make that transition of becoming a big leader for the football club. I think he will make those steps. And with the help obviously of myself and the others, Robbo, Ali, Mo, obviously the manager, he can make the next step.
“I think to give that responsibility to him could definitely even more benefit him as well. So it’s a very good choice. Obviously the others as well, they are as important and we all have to make sure that we take the responsibility.”
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