Liverpool investor LeBron James always knew big things were coming when Virgil van Dijk became club captain – and he’s been proved spot on.
The NBA icon, who became an investor in Liverpool in 2021 when he became a Fenway Sports Group partner, has released his latest fashion collaboration with the club. ‘LFC x LeBron: Chapter 2’ was released on Wednesday and the launch featured Van Dijk modelling the new clothes.
A clip was shared on Liverpool’s social media of Van Dijk watching a special video message sent by LeBron. In it, he congratulated the Dutchman on taking the captain’s armband from Jordan Henderson and predicted he would lead Liverpool to “amazing things”.
“VVD, my guy, I hope you’re well,” LeBron said. “I just want to say a huge congratulations on taking the armband this season.
“I know you will lead this club on amazing things. Strive for greatness. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Van Dijk looked delighted as he responded with a smile: “The King, isn’t it? The King has spoken. Nice to have this on, let’s rock and roll.”
So far this season, Van Dijk has proved that James was spot on with his prediction. He’s led by example wearing the armband and been back to his imperious best.
Van Dijk has already lifted his first trophy as captain, the Carabao Cup, and is now looking to lead the team to Premier League glory as they take the fight to Manchester City and Arsenal in the face of a series of injury problems so far this season. It’s testament to the Dutchman’s leadership and ability to hold together a makeshift team which has had to lean heavily on youngsters at various times.
The man he succeeded as club captain, Jordan Henderson, was similarly sure that Van Dijk would rise to the occasion in the role. Speaking about his exit as he fronted the media before his new club, Ajax, take on Aston Villa in the Europa League, Henderson said: “It was the right time for me as a player but also for them as a team and for them as a club, as much as that hurt at the time. I was very emotional.
“Looking back in that period of time, looking back now, it is easy to see that it was the right decision made by the manager and the club. It was the best decision to freshen things up. If you look at Virgil van Dijk becoming captain, Trent Alexander-Arnold becoming vice-captain, and how they’ve stepped up again this season, I think it has given them another lift.
“They have been two huge players for the team this season. I think it was the best thing for the club and the team and you can see that in the performances and how they’ve done, as much as that hurts me.”
