Jurgen Klopp insists that Virgil van Dijk is still growing as a leader as he saluted the “outstanding” captaincy of Jordan Henderson.

The Dutch defender was handed the armband for Wednesday night's Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade in the absence of Henderson and vice-captain James Milner.

Klopp revealed that a players' vote had determined that Van Dijk would be the stand-in skipper with Gini Wijnaldum next in line.

Many fans view Van Dijk as Henderson's natural successor, but Klopp's faith in the England midfielder's ability to lead the club is unwavering.

“I really think Milly and Hendo are doing an outstanding job for the club and the team,” Klopp said.

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

“Being an ambassador for the club on one side and impressive for the team on the other side is brilliant. They combine pretty much everything that is important.

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“When I came in I built a players’ committee. There were five or six players with Lucas Leiva, Adam Lallana, Phil Coutinho, stuff like that.

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“This team grew now. There are very demanding and confident players in the squad so you can decide who of them you want.

“It was a close decision. Dejan (Lovren) was close, Adam was close. They all had their votes.

“It was nice to see. The players see it in the right way – they thought that these players could do the job.”

With Henderson injured, James Milner will skipper Liverpool if he earns a recall for Saturday's Premier League clash with Cardiff City at Anfield.

If Milner doesn't make the starting line up then Van Dijk will once again lead Liverpool out.

The £75million centre-back, who is captain of the Netherlands, has been in outstanding form but Klopp believes the 27-year-old remains a work in progress.

“Virgil is still young. He looks more of a man than he really is,” Klopp added.

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

“There is nothing wrong with that and he can still improve. If you see and hear him, you think there is a big distance between him and you because he looks quite impressive.

“It is good for him to have this responsibility and there will be a day for sure when Gini will wear the armband. He will be very proud of that as well.

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“These two guys do a similar thing in Holland for the national team like Milly would do with England and like Hendo is doing for England.

“It is a natural thing. They have it, the boys saw it as well and that is why they have this committee.”