Ranking Liverpool’s Next Vice-Captaincy Candidates

Important decision looming for Iraola

Liverpool have had a number of impressive vice-captains over the years, many of whom have ascended to wearing the armband.

One of Andoni Iraola’s first tasks as head coach is to appoint a vice-captain to work alongside van Dijk, who recently turned 35 and is entering the final year of his contract.

In his most recent press conference, the Spaniard emphasised the need for “a lot of captains [on] the pitch”, adding that leaders can emerge “without wearing the armband.”

3) Alexis Mac Allister

Is the Argentine past his prime?

Despite Alexis Mac Allister and Argentina reaching the World Cup final, his poor performance typified the struggles he has experienced since August of last year.

The midfielder was wasteful in failing to complete simple passes, and his sloppiness often meant he was dispossessed by a relentless Spain side.

At 27 years of age, and struggling to keep up with the rigours of the Premier League, one has to question whether his best years are behind him.

Iraola backs Mac Allister's quality

Andoni Iraola was quick to outline what the Argentine brings to Liverpool, claiming that “he has been one of the best players at the club for the last few years.”

During their title-winning campaign, the Argentine was at the heartbeat of the Reds’ midfield, often dictating the tempo at which they played.

At his best, the midfield maestro is capable of leading a midfield to major honours, but his worst simply is not good enough for Liverpool Football Club.

Accolades enough to command respect

Iraola is no stranger to the lack of senior midfield options available to him and was adamant in retaining the talent he already possesses.

In a recent press conference, he said, “I want to keep my good players. I’m looking forward to signing new players rather than losing the ones we have here.”

A Premier League winner, as well as a Copa America and World Cup in his name, Mac Allister demands respect in the dressing room, but they must be backed up by performances for it to last.

Career revival on the cards?

A year ago, it seemed inevitable that the former Brighton man would go on to succeed Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool captain.

After a torrid season, his future is now up in the air, with Real Madrid reportedly interested, meaning Mac Allister will have a decision to make.

A return to the Alexis Mac Allister of old will place him in good standing when the time comes; else he risks ostracising himself before a seemingly inevitable transfer.

2) Dominik Szoboszlai

New contract a welcome boost

In what has been a quiet summer so far for the Reds, they were met with some good news after Szoboszlai extended his Liverpool contract until 2031.

Iraola suggested that it was “probably the greatest news since [he] arrived”, given that the midfielder was previously contracted until 2028.

The 25-year-old is primed to play a pivotal role in Iraola’s Liverpool, with one of his key attributes being his unrelenting stamina.

Szoboszlai leading by example

With 13 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, the Hungarian is the first Liverpool midfielder to reach double digits in both goals and assists, since none other than Steven Gerrard.

Iraola was full of praise for Szoboszlai, stating that “he has been leading by example in training”, adding that young players “should be looking at him.”

Last season showed that Liverpool’s no. 8 can lead from the front and is a player who demands respect, both important attributes for a vice-captain.

Etihad incident a rare blemish

By the time Liverpool take on Newcastle in their Premier League season opener in August, Szoboszlai will have played under three different coaches.

While this may put him in good standing, the incident at the Etihad Stadium, following the Reds’ 4-1 defeat by Manchester City, cast a major doubt among fans about his future in captaincy.

At full-time, Szoboszlai gestured for more support from a rather empty away end, sparking controversy from sections of Liverpool’s fanbase.

The face of Liverpool's new era?

The Hungarian maestro certainly has a lot to learn when it comes to understanding the club’s fanbase, but he remains a strong candidate.

Iraola has already placed a lot of trust in Szoboszlai, hinting that “he has to be one of our leaders looking forward.”

At the heart of the midfield, he can be a strong influence, like Gerrard was, as well as the player to guide Iraola’s Liverpool into a new era.

1) Alisson Becker

Eyes on the present

It’s no secret that, like van Dijk, Alisson is also into the final 12 months of his contract, and he has been subject to transfer interest, including Italian giants Juventus.

Age isn’t exactly on his side either, as Liverpool’s no.1 turns 34 in October, with understudy Giorgi Mamardashvili eager to take his place between the sticks.

Alisson is not the vice-captain for the future, but he may well be for the here and now.

Influential between the sticks

Over the past decade, goalkeepers have become more proactive during build-up in possession, for better or worse.

Not only has that made Alisson more involved on the pitch, but as one of the senior members of the squad, he is able to influence the players.

This will be of immense value to Iraola, who will undoubtedly lean on his experience to translate his footballing philosophy onto the pitch.

Alisson vital for squad transition

When asked about the shot-stopper’s future at the club, Liverpool’s head coach identified him as someone who will definitely “help in the process of adaptation.”

Iraola also added that he will “need players that have been here for a long time”, referencing the likes of Joe Gomez, van Dijk, and, of course, Alisson.

Alisson has been commanding his area admirably for the better part of a decade - those skills should, if they haven’t already, translate to the dressing room.

A fitting promotion for club legend

It is impossible to view leadership roles without having one eye on the future, and this is where Alisson falters.

However, in a time of transition, stability is always pivotal, and regardless of whether Iraola’s personnel changes further over the next 12 months, Alisson is a near-perfect candidate for vice-captaincy.

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