Van Dijk reveals massive Henderson influence in Liverpool move

Jordan Henderson, Virgil Van Dijk Napoli v Liverpool October 2018 TEAMtalk

Virgil Van Dijk has praised Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson as the midfielder celebrates 10 years of playing at Anfield.

Both Henderson and the Holland international are widely renowned as two key players for Liverpool. Both were instrumental in their recent league and European success. During his decade-long spell at the club, the midfielder has made history by becoming the first ever Liverpool captain to the lift the Premier League.

Van Dijk credited Henderson’s leadership and on-field prowess as key factors behind the Reds’ success in recent years.

Speaking to liverpoolfc.com he said: “I am just happy that he is my captain as well – being a captain, especially for Liverpool, is a big job, and he is doing it fantastically I think.

“There are so many things that people don’t see that happen outside the cameras and outside the pitch to be organised and to be done by the captain, and he’s doing it perfectly.”

Van Dijk joined Liverpool in January 2018. He became an instant favourite among fans for his towering aerial presence, astute interceptions and eye for goal.

Having rejected offers from both Chelsea and Manchester City, signing from Southampton for £75m.

Reflecting on the move, he revealed that Henderson played a pivotal role in his decision.

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He said: “We were sharing the same agent before I joined the club so we were already in contact then. And it helped me a lot to make the decision to come to the club as well. So big credit to him!

Much to the disappointment of Liverpool fans, there will be no chance of an encounter between the two players at the upcoming European Championships. Van Dijk is missing from Holland’s squad to focus on the recovery of his long-term knee injury.

Liverpool targets

Pedri TEAMtalk

It’s believed that Liverpool are monitoring a number of other midfielders to play with Henderson.

Barcelona teenager starlet Pedri is believed to be a target, with the Reds prepared to fight off interest from Bayern Munich and sign the Spain international this summer.

Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is also understood to be on their radar, as they look to replace Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Reds are prepared to offer Roma €28.5m for the midfielder’s services in a bid to get their business done early this summer.