Virgil van Dijk believes defensive team-mate Andy Robertson has the capacity to captain Liverpool one day.
The Glaswegian has been one of the surprise success stories of Jurgen Klopp’s managerial reign on Merseyside following his transfer from Hull City in 2017.
Is Robertson captain material? Five things to know…
- Klopp has previously tipped Robertson for future captaincy: “He can be a leader in the future, 100 per cent.”
- The full-back is current Scotland captain.
- National manager Alex McLeish has recently stated that Robertson is an “inspiration for youngsters.”
- Robertson has been model of consistency since joining the Reds.
- He has earned the moniker ‘Scottish Roberto Carlos’ by fans and praised for work rate.
Having initially found playing time sporadic upon arrival, Robertson forced his way into first-team plans last term and has since proven indispensable for Klopp’s high-pressing tactics.
The 24-year-old has endeared himself to the Liverpool faithful, and having gone from relegation with Hull one season, to Champions League final the next, Van Dijk believes he can go one better and become the next captain of the club.
Speaking to BBC Scotland (via Liverpool Echo) the Dutch skipper said: “If he keeps improving he will captain Liverpool.
“He’s already a leader. You don’t need an armband to be a leader for this team.
“He’s doing very well, he’s made incredible steps in his career and he just needs to keep doing what he’s doing.”
Robertson’s rise
Following an injury to Alberto Moreno last term, Klopp was forced to entrust the left-back berth to Robertson, who immediately impressed in the starting XI.
The former Dundee United defender draw widespread adulation for his tenacity and energy on the wing, combined with his proficient defensive attributes, he seemed the archetypal Klopp player.
Despite only playing 22 matches in the Premier League, he registered the joint-third most assists last season of any defender (five) and has carried that over this season with three to his name.
The Scot has also created more chances from open play than any defender this campaign (16) and played the third-most passes into the final third (243).
Robertson will once again be key when Liverpool travel to Turf Moor on Wednesday night to take on Burnley.
The post Virgil van Dijk backs Andy Robertson to become future Liverpool captain appeared first on Squawka News.
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