Top 3 candidates to be Liverpool's next captain

Jordan Henderson is doing a decent job for the Reds since taking armband from Steven Gerrard in 2015 and he has led the team out on the field on more than 100 occasions in all competitions.

However, injuries have prevented him from playing regularly in the past and the signings of Naby Keita and Fabinho during the summer have further limited his game-time in the team (he started in just 11 of the Reds' 22 Premier League games this season).

On the other hand, vice-captain James Milner turned 33 earlier this month and is heading towards an inevitable decline. His current contract with the Reds will expire at the end of next season.

The Reds needs a new skipper, who is in his prime and features in the team regularly. Thus here is a list of top three candidates to be Liverpool's next captain.

#3 Georginio Wijnaldum

Georginio Wijnaldum is one of the most under-appreciated Liverpool players

Every successful team has that one player who never gets the appreciation he deserves and Georginio Wijnaldum is the most under-appreciated man in the current Liverpool squad.

The Dutch international joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window of 2016 and he has been performing brilliantly since then by becoming an integral part of Klopp's midfield. His work rate, ability to win tackles and short passing skills play an important part in Liverpool's system and he works as the golden thread who knits the defence with the attack.

The 27-year-old was voted second just behind Virgil van Dijk by the teammates to take the arm-band in the absence of Jordan Henderson and James Milner against Red Star Belgrade earlier this season, which is clearly the reflection of what future holds for him at Anfield.

#2 Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson is among the candidates to become the next Liverpool captain

Left-back was one of Liverpool's biggest problematic positions and the Reds' fans were disappointed, when Jurgen Klopp signed Andy Robertson for £10 million from relegated Hull City in 2017 to address that issue.

However, the Scottish defender proved everyone wrong and turned out to be an excellent signing for the club. He was among the best performers in their run to the final of the Champions League 2017-18 and is arguably the best left-back in the Premier League at the moment.

The former Hull City defender is a regular starter in the team and always gives his best on the pitch. He is a major fan-favourite among the Anfield faithful and the Kop sings for him almost as much as they do for their star-forward, Mohamed Salah.

The 24-year-old was also appointed as the captain of the Scottish National team earlier this year and has all the attributes to become the future captain.

#1 Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk has been phenomenal for Liverpool ever since he joined the club from Southampton in 2018 and the £75 million that the Reds spent on signing him is starting to look like a bargain.

The Dutch international is one of the main reasons behind Liverpool's impressive performances in the Premier League, this campaign, and the former Southampton defender is one the early contenders to win the PFA Premier League Player of the Season award.

The Merseysiders have conceded just 10 goals in 22 Premier League games thus far this season and the presence of Van Dijk is one of the main reasons behind the Reds' impressive defensive transformation. He never loses his calm under pressure and always brings the team together with his leadership qualities.

Players like Dejan Lovren have also benefited from his presence in the team and the Reds are yet to lose a Premier League game after scoring first this season.

At 27, Van Dijk is in his prime and already has captaincy experience with the Dutch national team. He captained Liverpool in their Champions League home game against Red Star Belgrade earlier this season and is likely to take the armband permanently in the future.