Liverpool FC has named Virgil van Dijk as captain and Trent Alexander-Arnold as vice captain.

Since 1959, twenty different players have worn the Liverpool captain’s armband; Van Dijk is number 21.

It’s “a really proud day for me, my wife, my kids, and my family,” Van Dijk stated on the site.

It’s been an incredible experience that I can’t quite put into words right now. But that is something I am very proud of.

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Being named captain of Holland was already a tremendous honor and source of great pride for me. I also can’t put into words what it’s like to be the captain of Liverpool Football Club.

It’s something I take great pride in, and I intend to use that pride to make the fans happy and proud of me and my football team.

Being named club captain is a huge honor, and every player has their own unique approach to leading that makes them the perfect candidate.

Every captain leads in their own unique way, whether through acts or words, and Liverpool has seen it all over the years.

Henderson was a forceful leader who took up the captaincy from Steven Gerrard in 2015 and wore it for 268 games before he was replaced.

Van Dijk was third in line to be captain, behind Henderson and James Milner, but he has now been promoted to the first spot. He has started 43 games as captain.

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The Dutchman is now part of a select group of players who have held the position of club captain.

He joins Alan Hansen, Emlyn Hughes, and Phil Thompson as another center defense to wear the captain’s armband.

Van Dijk is now a Liverpool club leader as well as a national leader for the Netherlands, a rare distinction that speaks to the importance he places on both clubs.

The 32-year-old can expect business to continue as usual, albeit he will have new obligations for the 2017 season and beyond.