Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk admits he's proud being club captain.

Van Dijk took the armband this season after Jordan Henderson's departure for Al-Ettifaq.

He told AD: "That (getting the captaincy) felt like a token of appreciation and confidence. When it comes to leadership, I honestly attach most importance to how my manager, coaches or fellow players see me. In my opinion, they are the best judges.

"I really enjoy the captaincy role. I like helping the young boys, I like to look at the bigger picture of the club, to be really involved.

"The other day I was attending a youth tournament of Liverpool's Under-9s and Under-10s. The under-18s often train just before us, so I try to be at the training ground early. I am not only the captain of the team but of the entire club."