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Klopp backs Van Dijk to grow after captaincy decision

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp backed Virgil van Dijk to continue to impress after the defender was handed the captaincy against Red Star Belgrade.

With Jordan Henderson injured and James Milner returning from a hamstring problem, Klopp asked his players to select a new skipper and vice-captain for the Champions League clash.

Van Dijk, 27, was picked to wear the armband, while his Netherlands team-mate Georginio Wijnaldum was second.

Klopp, whose team host Cardiff City in the Premier League on Saturday, talked up how much leadership he had in his squad, and said there was still room for improvement from Van Dijk.