Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been named the new captain of the Dutch national team. 

  • By Michael Bell
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With Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder now retired from international football, Ronald Koeman had a decision to make on who would lead Netherlands into the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

On Thursday it was confirmed that Virgil van Dijk is the new captain of Oranje. The Liverpool centre-back worked with Koeman at Southampton and the coach has decided the former Groningen and Celtic defender is the man to lead his team forward.

Reacting to the news at a press conference, Van Dijk stated, “This is great for me, I am happy with it, I jumped into the air.”

He then added on working again with Koeman, “Everyone knows that Koeman gave me the chance at Southampton, I am very grateful to him. This is very special. ”

Koeman added, “It’s a nice step for Virgil, he gets more responsibility. He has the age and plays at a big club. ”

Georginio Wijnaldum, Kevin Strootman and Daley Blind are the back-up captains.




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