Van Dijk says the squad's younger players need to show they can fill the boots of the two legends next season.
“Players have to step up," Van Dijk said. "You grow into that role or you already have it in you, that is something players have to show even more next season.
"After the World Cup, in pre-season, it will be an interesting development in terms of how the manager (Arne Slot) sees it as well and then we have to tackle the season in the best way possible and not have a season like we have had this season again.
"I don’t want to say but I definitely have my opinion (on the who the next vice captain should be) and I always share my opinion.
"The focus is now on finishing the season in the best way possible, the poor season we are having. T
"We have five more games and the focus on what’s next and that’s the World Cup and then focus on a good holiday – because that’s needed – and then focus on pre-season and making next season successful."