Virgil van Dijk has been one of the best players for Liverpool this season. Last term, the Dutchman was often criticised and told he was no longer the player he had been before the injury. But he's proven his doubters wrong.
Ex-Red Martin Skrtel believes that getting the captain's armband has been a factor in Van Dijk's improved performances this season.
“When you lose players like Henderson and Milner, they are always going to be big misses, not only on the pitch but off it too,” the Slovak explained to the Athletic.
“But Virgil has really stepped up. He’s the leader and the main man. I think the captaincy has helped him. You can see that with his performances. He’s back to his best.
“After he had that serious injury, people doubted him but the way he’s played this season has shown he’s got so much left to offer. He’s right up there with the best centre-backs in the world.
“With the consistency he’s shown, I’d love to see him getting individual trophies as well as lifting collective trophies with the team.”
