Koeman names Van Dijk new Netherlands captain

Virgil van Dijk is the new Netherlands national team captain, coach Ronald Koeman has confirmed. The Liverpool centre-back became the most expensive defender in history when he joined from Koeman's former club Southampton for £75million in January. And the 26-year-old has now been announced as the successor to Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben, who retired from international football after Netherlands failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. "[It is] great news, for me and my family," said Van Dijk, who will lead his country against England in Amsterdam on Friday. "I am very happy with it, it is a great honour to be the captain of your country." pic.twitter.com/Xk6MuFKKUi — Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) March 19, 2018 Georginio Wijnaldum, Kevin Strootman and Daley Blind have been appointed by Koeman as deputies to Van Dijk. "This is a nice step for him," Koeman explained of Van Dijk becoming Netherlands captain.  "He has a good age and plays at a big club, he can take on this responsibility."