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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been confirmed as the new captain for Netherlands.

The £75million centre-back was announced as the new Oranje skipper at a press conference on Thursday afternoon as he sat alongside new national boss Ronald Koeman.

Van Dijk will wear the armband for the first time against England on Friday night in Amsterdam as he comes up against Liverpool teammates Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson and Joe Gomez.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Van Dijk said: "It's great news, for me and my family.

(Image: Getty Images)

"I am very happy with it, it is a great honour to be the captain of your country.

"Everyone knows that Koeman gave me the chance at Southampton, I am very grateful to him. This is very special."

Oranje boss Koeman, who was sacked as Everton manager in October last year, brought the commanding centre-back to the Premier League during his time in charge of Southampton.

(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

And the Dutch coach thinks Van Dijk is at the ideal age to become national side skipper.

"It’s a nice step for Virgil, he gets more responsibility," said Koeman. He has the age and plays at a big club."

Van Dijk's club colleague Gini Wijnaldum is named as 'back-up' captain alongside Kevin Strootman and Daley Blind.

(Image: (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))

It's been an impressive first few months for Van Dijk since becoming the most expensive defender in football history at the turn of the year.

The former Saints star marked his Liverpool debut with a winning goal in an FA Cup Merseyside derby back in January.

Van Dijk's commanding displays have coincided with Liverpool's run to the last-eight of the Champions League and the new Dutch skipper has settled into life well at Anfield.