Virgil van Dijk has etched his name in Liverpool’s illustrious history books. The Dutch defender became the 12th different captain to lead the Reds to a top-flight league title. However, he stands out with a significant distinction – he’s the first non-British player to achieve this feat.

Virgil van Dijk Joins Liverpool’s Legendary Captain List

Van Dijk now stands alongside iconic figures in the club’s history. The towering centre-back follows legends like Alex Raisbeck, Ron Yeats, Emlyn Hughes, and Graeme Souness. Most recently, he succeeds Jordan Henderson in this prestigious lineage.

On April 27, van Dijk lifted the Premier League trophy at Anfield after a victory over Tottenham Hotspur. As a result, Liverpool secured their 20th league championship. Moreover, they finished with a commanding 13-point lead over Arsenal. This gap highlights the team’s dominance under new manager Arne Slot.

“This means everything to me and my family,” Virgil van Dijk told reporters after the celebration. “To captain this historic club to a league title is beyond my childhood dreams in Breda.”

Virgil van Dijk’s Journey to Liverpool Greatness

Van Dijk joined Liverpool in January 2018 for a then-record £75 million fee for a defender. Consequently, expectations were sky-high. Yet, he has not only met them but exceeded them spectacularly.

Throughout his 314 appearances, Virgil van Dijk has amassed seven major honours. Firstly, he won the Champions League in 2018-19. Additionally, he’s collected two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, the Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.

According to Tobibet, Virgil van Dijk now ranks among the most decorated defenders in Premier League history. Furthermore, his leadership qualities set him apart from his contemporaries.

Van Dijk’s Leadership Qualities Praised by Manager

Arne Slot has lavished praise on his captain recently. He describes van Dijk as “one of the few leaders left in world football.” Meanwhile, the Dutch manager’s first season couldn’t have gone better. Their title triumph makes Slot just the fifth manager to win the Premier League in his debut campaign.

Virgil van Dijk’s statistics tell their own story. For instance, he now holds the record for most headed goals by a defender in Premier League history with 18. This achievement surpasses John Terry‘s previous record. Remarkably, Liverpool have won all 14 Anfield games in which he has scored.

For more analysis on van Dijk’s defensive prowess, check out our comprehensive football statistics breakdown.

What’s Next for van Dijk and Liverpool?

Virgil van Dijk recently signed a new two-year contract in April 2025. Thus, his future at Liverpool is secure until 2027. This extension reportedly pays him up to £400,000 weekly, making him Europe’s highest-paid defender.

Despite uncertainty around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future, van Dijk remains confident. He has hinted at a “big summer” in the transfer market. Obviously, Liverpool aims to maintain their competitive edge.

“The club is part of me,” Virgil van Dijk explained in a recent interview. “My children are almost like Scousers now. Therefore, this is where I want to be.”

For fans looking ahead to next season’s title odds and betting tips, Liverpool’s retention of their captain sends a clear message. In conclusion, they intend to build a new dynasty under Slot’s leadership.