Mohamed Salah snubbed as Liverpool name new captain

Virgil Van Dijk has been confirmed as the new captain of Liverpool, replacing the departed Jordan Henderson.

Henderson ended his 8-year tenure as captain after accepting a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been selected as the new vice-captain ahead of Mohamed Salah, with that role becoming vacant since James Milner left to join Brighton on a free transfer.

Van Dijk was a leading candidate to take over the role from Henderson, with speculation that Salah could assume the role of vice-captain. However, the Egyptian has been ignored altogether.

The decisions were taken by manager Jurgen Klopp rather than a vote of the playing squad.

Speaking after the announcement, he said: “It's a really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, my family. It’s been a special feeling and I can’t really describe it at this point. But it’s something that I’m really, really proud of. 

“Obviously I’m captain of Holland, that was already such a huge honour, a proud moment as well. But also to be the captain of Liverpool Football Club is something that I can’t describe at this point. 

“It’s just something that makes me very proud and I will do everything in my power and what I can do to make everyone proud and happy with me and the football club.”

It remains to be seen how Salah will react to the announcement but some fans have expressed their displeasure with the decision.

Liverpool begin their Premier League challenge on August 13, with a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.