‘Liverpool 2.0’ under the direction of Jurgen Klopp is staffed by an entirely new form of leadership group: Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

On Saturday afternoon, the Dortmund headquarters of Adidas likely erupted in jubilation comparable in volume to the jubilation of Liverpool supporters seated in the away end at Manchester City.

After smashing past Ederson to tie the game 1-1 on that fateful day, Trent Alexander-Arnold absorbed the anguish of those on the opposite side of the Etihad. His dismissal of the home supporters, whom he had infuriated with his late equalizer, only served to heighten the occasion.

The circumstance that his decisive moment occurred during one of the most significant matches of the Premier League season while wearing his brand-new, unreleased Adidas Predator boots, less than twenty-four hours prior to the German company announcing him as their newest superstar acquisition, could not have been more ideal from their vantage point. The execution was absolutely flawless from the No.66.

Alexander-Arnold, who recently signed a multimillion-pound contract to become the newest Adidas ambassador, severed ties with Under Armour just nine months after the company’s flagship store in the heart of Liverpool by joining Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Barcelona’s Perdri as the latest members of a star-studded stable.

The official announcement of the switch was made via social media on Sunday morning. It signifies the increasing recognition of Alexander-Arnold’s standing in international football and occurs only a few months after Jurgen Klopp appointed him to the vice-captaincy previously held by James Milner.

In addition to the emergence of Virgil van Dijk as the new club captain, Alexander-Arnold’s ascent to prominence among the leadership group serves as a central element supporting the concept of ‘Liverpool 2.0’, a term that has been extensively debated since Jurgen Klopp introduced it earlier this year.

Alexander-Arnold, who is approaching 300 appearances for his boyhood club at the age of 25, is no longer the protégé of his more seasoned teammates. Now, similar to his idol Steven Gerrard, he is the captain of the Predator-clad Scouse and a sensation in the most important games.

“When you consider how much he has grown into in this inverted full-back position, which is precisely what he has transformed into, and the fact that he was born in Kirkby, that makes it even more special,” says Liverpool legend Phil Thompson, who was born in Kirkby.

“However, it is not without its drawbacks; since there is no outlay, criticism is quite simple to lodge.”

“However, this individual possesses an abundance of qualities and remarkable capabilities that he merits every opportunity [to be captain]. Do you know what it’s like to wear the armband?

That’s exactly how I felt after a while, and it feels great and just right when you’re on the field. It’s wonderful that you have captained Liverpool; I understand that the insignia is often passed around, but to lead them for an entire game is truly extraordinary.”

Henderson and Milner, in particular, were recognized for instituting policies that imposed fines for infractions such as forgetting to turn in assignments on time or using mobile devices at the team dinner table.

In contrast, the present squad places greater emphasis on self-policing, as Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold are enthusiastic about cultivating a culture of collective accountability.

It is believed to have contributed to a more tranquil environment within the ranks, although a powerful start to the campaign has helped prevent any tension from settling thus far.

Van Dijk’s accomplishments and his composed demeanor enable him to garner admiration without the necessity of displaying excessive verbosity or expressing himself outside of the field. When their new commander has something to say in the vicinity of the AXA Training Centre or Anfield, the squad is quick to pay attention.

Thompson tells the ECHO, “When you raise your voice [when you don’t always do], people jump and they listen; they understand what you’re talking about.” Thompson led the Reds to European Cup glory in 1981.

“Your message does not get through if you constantly rant and exclaim. “Therefore, deadlines must be adhered to, which is why I believed he was the ideal replacement for Jordan following his departure.”

As he enters his sixth season with the Reds, the Champions League and Premier League-winning central defender continues to serve as an inspiration to many of his younger and less decorated teammates, including the emerging Jarell Quansah.

There is no greater learning tree under which to gaze. “Virgil, doesn’t he, makes everything appear so effortless? “He does the same even when you are in close proximity to him,” Quansah stated a week ago.

As an initial action as club captain for Van Dijk, he instituted a pre-match conference with the purpose of dispensing last-minute nuggets of inspiration prior to the commencement of play.

It was a practice initiated by the Netherlands captain while he was with Celtic. Although its primary objective is to convey crucial information prior to the game, its secondary purpose is to energize the Liverpool faithful during home games.

“I think he is embracing it and I think he has embraced it in a good way,” according to Thompson. “Virgil, in my opinion, has improved this season; he admitted that he may not have performed at his peak last season.

” He has undoubtedly been that this season, and do you know what? This has culminated in this individual declaring, “I am back,” against Brentford. And he was truly exceptional. We will never forget him as the Rolls Royce-like defender that he was.

“Therefore, his accountability has restored his performance to its peak.” It is evident in him. And when you reach that point, it inspires qualities in you such as leadership; you begin to dictate the actions of others; he embodies this quality. “Virgil has brought it back, and in a positive way.”