Andrew Robertson has qualities to be future Liverpool captain, says Virgil van Dijk

Andrew Robertson was appointed the Scotland captain by manager Alex McLeish in September after becoming an integral part of the Liverpool side which reached the Champions League final last season

Andrew Robertson has impressed in his short career at Liverpool (Reuters)

Scotland captain Andrew Robertson has the qualities to lead Liverpool too, according to his team-mate Virgil van Dijk.

Robertson was appointed the national captain by manager Alex McLeish in September after becoming an integral part of the Liverpool side which reached the Champions League final last season.

He has continued that impressive form this campaign, forming a strong defensive unit alongside Van Dijk in Jurgen Klopp’s defence, and the Dutch defender believes his team-mate has all the makings of a future Liverpool captain.

“If he keeps improving he will [captain Liverpool],” Van Dijk told BBC Scotland. “He’s already a leader. You don’t need an armband to be a leader for this team.

“He’s doing very well, he’s made incredible steps in his career and he just needs to keep doing what he’s doing.”

Jordan Henderson is the current Liverpool captain, but his place is no longer assured in the first team as competition for places has increased, while vice-captain James Milner will be out of contract at the end of the season.

Liverpool, who are currently second in the Premier League table, meet Burnley on Wednesday night at Turf Moor, before heading to the south coast to face Bournemouth on Saturday.