3 potential candidates for Liverpool's next captain

Jordan Henderson has done a great job as Liverpool captain since taking the armband from Steven Gerrard in 2015. The Englishman has led the Reds' for more than 150 games so far. He helped the club win their first-ever English Premier League title in 2020, along with a UEFA Champions League trophy in 2019.

However, his current contract with the Merseyside-based club is set to expire in 2023 and he has been linked with a move away from the club after talks over a new contract were stalled last month.

The Reds need to prepare themselves for life after the departure of the former Sunderland midfielder. On that note, here's a list of the top three candidates who can be the next Liverpool captain.

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#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander Arnold has established himself among the best right-backs in the world with Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool's youth academy aged six in 2006. He worked his way through the club's youth teams to make his senior debut in 2016. He has played 129 league games for the Merseyside-based club since then and has established himself among the best right-backs in the world.

The Englishman captained the Reds' U-16 and U-18 teams during his academy days. He was given the opportunity to lead the senior team for the first time last season. It was during a Champions League group-stage game against Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland last season.

The 22-year old has recently signed a new long-term deal with the Merseysiders, which makes him one of the club's highest earners. He has also been consistently touted as a future Reds captain by fans and the media and could follow in the footsteps of his role model Steven Gerrard.

#2 Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson has established himself among the best left-backs in the world

Eyebrows were raised when Liverpool signed Andy Robertson for £8 million from relegated Hull City in 2017. However, he proved all his doubters wrong and has established himself among the best left-backs in the world.

The 27-year old played 132 league games for the Reds thus far, scoring four goals. He helped the Merseysiders win one Premier League title, along with one Champions League trophy, one UEFA Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Apart from his footballing abilities, Robertson is also a great leader on the pitch. He gives his all every time he's on the field and demands the same from others as well. He was appointed as the captain of the Scotland national team in 2018 and has guided his nation to the finals of Euro 2020, their first major tournament in more than 20 years.

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#1 Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool missed Virgil van Dijk's leadership qualities last season

Arguably the best defender in the world right now, Virgil van Dijk has inspired Liverpool to their first-ever Premier League title and a sixth UCL crown since his move from Southampton in 2018.

The 30-year old was sidelined for the majority of last season with injury and the Reds' struggles in his absence are a testament to his abilities. The Reds not only missed his footballing prowess but also his leadership qualities on the pitch.

The former Southampton defender is a commanding presence at the back and has been widely credited for bringing much-needed stability to the Reds' defence. His presence also played an important role in the development of Joe Gomez and Treat Alexander-Arnold and he is currently Liverpool's third captain.

Van Dijk is also the captain of the Dutch national team and is among the favorites to take the arm-band from Jordan Henderson in the near future.