Who should be LFC’s next vice-captain? 5 contenders ranked

Liverpool are in need of a new vice-captain again this season, and there are several options who will appeal to Andoni Iraola and Virgil van Dijk.

With Andy Robertson leaving the club as a free agent and signing for Tottenham, Liverpool have a leadership void to fill for the third time in four seasons.

Ibrahima Konate and Mo Salah would have been contenders to step up if not for their respective exits, leaving only a handful of options ready to step up and assist Van Dijk.

“I always say, you don’t need to wear an armband to be a leader, to be a captain.” – Andoni Iraola

While the Dutchman’s consistent availability may mean wearing the armband is a rare occurrence this season, the role is still an important one to fill.

Iraola has confirmed he will address the position later in the summer once he has met and worked with his full squad.

With that in mind, we have assessed the candidates for vice-captaincy.

Dominik Szoboszlai

Besides Van Dijk, Szoboszlai is now the only other player to wear the captain’s armband for his country in Liverpool’s squad, with the leadership vacuum in full effect.

The Hungarian has established himself as a key cog in Liverpool’s side, with his versatility and willingness to play out of position displaying a team-before-self attitude.

He tops the list of contenders, having demonstrated his ability to lead by example throughout last season, though his clashes with supporters did suggest he may not be ready.

Iraola has, however, already insisted that he “definitely has to be one of our leaders looking forward,” and his recent long-term commitment to the club would put him on a pathway for the captaincy.

An obvious candidate who has known the responsibilities and meaning of being a captain since earning the title for his country in 2022, shortly after his 22nd birthday.

Likelihood:
9/10

Suitability:
9/10

Alisson

A goalkeeper wearing the armband is not everyone’s favourite move in football, but Alisson will have earned the right to support Van Dijk after eight spectacular seasons at Anfield.

He is not shy in shouting out instructions on the pitch, is looked up to and demands respect, and has a close relationship with Van Dijk that will make for a smooth transition.

The potential arguments against promoting him is his injury record, which keeps him out of the team semi-regularly, and the expectation that he leaves next summer.

His contract expires next year, and naming the Brazilian would mean another leadership transition, which could overlap with Liverpool’s No. 4 also departing at the end of his deal.

No doubt he would be a popular choice!

Likelihood:
8/10

Suitability:
8/10

Joe Gomez

Liverpool’s current longest-serving player and one who would be more than worthy of taking on the responsibility. He has worn the armband six times, having been trusted by both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.

A quiet leader, but a respected one who has experienced adversity and has bounced back every time, putting him firmly in the top three candidates for the position.

He will already be important for fellow centre-backs Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, so why not extend that across the whole squad?

He is another whose contract status could count against him if Iraola looks to build a long-term hierarchy.

Likelihood:
7/10

Suitability:
8/10

Alexis Mac Allister

Mac Allister, 27, has the age and experience to take on a greater level of responsibility at the club, but is the first of the left-field options.

After key exits, he is one of the few settled and established senior players at the club, and it is only natural that he should be considered for the position.

Having struggled physically, giving him added responsibility could be what sees him establish some consistency as he looks to lead by example.

He is a regular in the team and has shown an ability to establish close relationships with the full squad throughout his time at the club.

Likelihood:
5/10

Suitability:
7/10

Cody Gakpo

Gakpo has leadership experience after taking on the captain’s role at PSV at a young age before moving to Liverpool.

He is a team player and, after Mo Salah‘s exit, has become the most senior and settled attacking figure at the club.

The Dutchman is not an enforcer; in fact, he comes across as quite the opposite, but his calm demeanour could combine nicely with Van Dijk.

He makes complete sense as part of a four or five-man leadership group, but is the clear outsider to be named vice-captain.

Likelihood:
5/10

Suitability:
6/10

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