VVD: Skip makes my Jor drop

VIRGIL VAN DIJK has paid tribute to Jordan Henderson after his inspirational captain’s performance.

Henderson (above, with boss Jurgen Klopp) was outstanding as Liverpool won the Club World Cup for the first time and has almost become the unsung hero of Klopp’s all-conquering team.

Kop defender Van Dijk said: “He’s having a fantastic season. He’s been doing fantastically for us whether he’s filling in for Fabinho or playing as a right midfielder. On and off the pitch he is very important for us whether he plays or not. We all respect him on that level.

“He was outstanding when he played centrehalf (in the semi-final). I was really proud of him. I told him after the game. He has got a lot more respect for what we do at the back as well. It’s not easy and I know sometimes we make it look a bit easy but it’s difficult. They played very direct as well in that game – long balls, tall striker. It was not easy for him but he dealt with it.”

Van Dijk believes that the trophy deserves a special place in the club’s history. He added: “We are the first Liverpool team to win it so we can be very proud.

“Obviously it’s something special. We got what we came here for. We gave everything that we had.

“We had Flamengo fans next to our hotel and they were partying the whole time as well. We had already a feeling. I know how big Flamengo is as a club. We knew Brazil was living for them to win this. So I enjoyed the atmosphere, I enjoyed the passion they had. They made it tough for us.”