Four contenders to replace Virgil van Dijk as Southampton's team captain

Four contenders to replace Virgil van Dijk as Southampton’s team captain

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Oriol Romeu (C) of Southampton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

1 of 5

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 09: Oriol Romeu (C) of Southampton celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Yesterday came the news that most of us Southampton fans knew would be round the corner. Team captain and key man Virgil van Dijk announced that he wanted to leave the club and was not available for selection.

Not good news to hear about any player in the squad, but from the leader and role model of the team? It is a brutal blow to the squad and fans.

With VVD seemingly out the door, we look at the potential candidates to replace him as team captain. A role that has seemingly been a poisoned chalice in recent years, the next appointment must be made with a view of longevity.