One of Andoni Iraola’s first decisions as Liverpool head coach should be to decide on his vice-captain for next season.
The Reds had a new second-in-command last term, but Andy Robertson left after only one year in the role, leaving Virgil van Dijk without a right-hand man.
Robertson’s exit means Liverpool will be looking for their third vice-captain since James Milner’s exit in 2023, and with four fairly clear candidates: Dominik Szoboszlai, Alisson Becker, Alexis Mac Allister and Joe Gomez, Rousing The Kop asked fans on social media to make their choice.
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Alisson and Szoboszlai the favourites for vice-captaincy
The worrying thing for Liverpool fans is that both the captaincy and the vice-captaincy could change once again next season.
Van Dijk is out of contract next summer, and if the vice was given to Alisson or Gomez, they too are currently due to leave in 2027.
There are question marks over Mac Allister’s future as well, meaning he could be difficult choice. Szoboszlai is a worry too, given he has two years on his deal and talks appear to be held up, but fans on X still think the Hungarian could be the best choice – as long as he then signs an extension.
“Whichever one signs a contract extension. And by that I mean Mac Allister or Szobo,” said one supporter.
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“Most predictable thing in the world is that we give it to Szobo who spends the next two years stringing us along like Trent before leaving on a free for Real Madrid,” another said. “No contract renewal, no vice captaincy.”
“Ali would be my choice but with him being on his last year, Slob [Szoboszlai] for me. Macca might go this year and Gomez only has one year left,” was someone else’s view.
“Probably Dom,” another fan agreed, with one more claiming: “Macca or Dom just because of his position.”
Meanwhile, supporters on RTK‘s Facebook page were leaning towards Alisson, with the majority of fans naming the Brazilian as their ideal vice-captain.
Are there any other candidates?
While there are potential issues with all of these four potential candidates becoming vice-captain, it really is difficult to see Iraola choosing someone else from the Liverpool squad.
Milner took on the vice-captaincy immediately when becoming a new signing in 2015, and there is always a chance that a similar thing happens, although it looks unlikely for the time being.
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From the current players at his disposal, though, there really are no other credible options for Iraola.
Ibrahima Konate would have been a good candidate, as would Mohamed Salah, but both have obviously left, while the likes of Milos Kerkez and Ryan Gravenberch do not feel ready to take on the role.
Cody Gakpo might be a choice having previously captained PSV Eindhoven, but the Dutchman has been linked with a move away and may also find himself regularly out of the team.
It is not the biggest problem Iraola will have this season, but this lack of candidates does highlight that Liverpool are running headlong into a glaring leadership problem. Alisson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister or Gomez would all do a fine job, but any or all of them could simply be kicking the can down the road for Iraola.
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