Virgil van Dijk

[Buzzo]

Should be named Captain. Absolute beast of a defender.

I don’t think it makes any sense to change the dynamic within the squad and don’t see stripping Henderson o the captaincy as a positive move or one that would increase harmony within the squad.

By all accounts Henderson and Milner play a massive part in integrating new players and the harmony within the squad is tangible. Van Dijk is brilliant, but I don’t think making him captain would make any difference to the team or squad.

[Shaggy]

Yeah he's a leader anyway. Armband can be a bit token really. Henderson's a great leader on and off the pitch and VVD does it regardless of the armband. Leave things as they are.

[Doc_Piptorious]

Yeah he's a leader anyway. Armband can be a bit token really. Henderson's a great leader on and off the pitch and VVD does it regardless of the armband. Leave things as they are.

It can be tokenism at times, but it can also be the making of some players and spur them on to even greater heights.



If you have a player that is a leader on the pitch, one that organises, and cajoles but who is also one of the best in the world in his position and thus capable of also leading through regular high quality performances, then having that guy as the captain is a no brainer.

[fah-q]

I think there's more to a Captain than just cajoling others though.

I think Henderson, by all accounts, is a leader in many other ways too and keeps the squad together (I think he did a similar role in the summer with England).

[brightred]

It can be tokenism at times, but it can also be the making of some players and spur them on to even greater heights.



If you have a player that is a leader on the pitch, one that organises, and cajoles but who is also one of the best in the world in his position and thus capable of also leading through regular high quality performances, then having that guy as the captain is a no brainer.

Stevie G v Sami

[Buzzo]

Stevie G v Sami

But then Stevie or Carra. Arguably Carra became the better leader and was the more natural captain, but being captain or not didn’t affect the levels.

For every perceived positive in giving Van Dijk the armband you have an equal negative in taking it off Henderson.

Van Dijk is capable of greatness and is a natural leader either way. Alisson also looks magdebof similar stuff.

[Kenneth]

VVD, Cara, Sami and Gerrard in their prime all have/had something that Hendo doesn't, and that's certainty that they will be picked to play if available.

[Doc_Piptorious]

Stevie G v Sami

For me VVD has a lot of what both of those guys brought to the table.

Sami was a great communicator on the pitch, a great organiser, and seemed to be able to gee up players verbally.


Gerrard on the other hand was one of the best in his role and could inspire through performance and sheer will to win.

VVD for my money has pretty much what both of them brought to the armband

[Buzzo]

VVD, Cara, Sami and Gerrard in their prime all have/had something that Hendo doesn't, and that's certainty that they will be picked to play if available.

True, but I still think the negative message it represents would cause more harm, than the potential positive of changing the captain for no reason.

Have VVD as third choice captain, though I suspect one of Milner and Henderson will always be in the first XI.

[Lecter]

But then Stevie or Carra. Arguably Carra became the better leader and was the more natural captain, but being captain or not didn’t affect the levels.

For every perceived positive in giving Van Dijk the armband you have an equal negative in taking it off Henderson.

Van Dijk is capable of greatness and is a natural leader either way. Alisson also looks magdebof similar stuff.

Its all unquantifiable

Sometimes it works other times it doesnt

When Thompson had the captaincy took off him and they gave it to Souness it worked

Same with Hyypia to Gerrard

Sometimes managers have to roll the dice and take a view of what they think is best

For the record I have no feelings either way, if it happened then it wouldnt bother me, if it doesnt then so be it

[kev776]

Although a lot is down to the big Dutchman, the main reason we look more sound in defence is because we have changed the whole back 5 in the last 15 months, upgraded every position.

[baitman]

Yeah that'll be because the stats don't say he 100% of his ariel duels

i did see a 100% but not for the ariels won

[Buzzo]

Although a lot is down to the big Dutchman, the main reason we look more sound in defence is because we have changed the whole back 5 in the last 15 months, upgraded every position.

Thats a good point.

We were under a lot of pressure at times last night (which is why the criticism of the fullbacks seems harsh, but Klopp knows what he is doing).

The defence looked rock solid. Balls across the box, and shots on goal were all being absorbed. Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Moreno, would not have eaily managed the same.

Those corners at the end would have guaranteed goals a few years ago, but now, they are swatted away or made into opportunities for us to attack and expose teams that are hunting goals themselves.

The consistency of the guys at the back over the last 6-8 months is amazing, and throw in a keeper that brings a lot to our actual play as well as being a solid shotstopper (and ruggedly handsome) has transformed the entire team.

[RedReet]

Thats a good point.

We were under a lot of pressure at times last night (which is why the criticism of the fullbacks seems harsh, but Klopp knows what he is doing).

The defence looked rock solid. Balls across the box, and shots on goal were all being absorbed. Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Moreno, would not have eaily managed the same.

Those corners at the end would have guaranteed goals a few years ago, but now, they are swatted away or made into opportunities for us to attack and expose teams that are hunting goals themselves.

The consistency of the guys at the back over the last 6-8 months is amazing, and throw in a keeper that brings a lot to our actual play as well as being a solid shotstopper (and ruggedly handsome) has transformed the entire team.

Statistically, Trent was very good defensively last night.

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/incredible-stats-show-liverpools-defensive-15053835.amp?__twitter_impression=true

(I know Echo links are hated, but on a phone it's fine).

[baitman]

(I know Echo links are hated, but on a phone it's fine).

if on a desktop or lappy download mercury reader [google add on] and it eliminates all the ****e adverts and autoplay stuff.