At the end of the 2025/2026 season, Liverpool’s vice-captain, Andy Robertson, left the club, bringing to an end his nine (9) year era as a right back with the Reds. The Scotland captain completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur as a free agent.
For the Second time in the last two years, Liverpool have had to answer the question of squad Leadership as Trent Alexander-Arnold, the previous captain, left the club for a move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2025, which turned the leadership role towards Robertson.
With Mohammed Salah one of the long-serving members of the squad, and also a new management under Andoni Iraola, the team needs someone who understands the culture of the club as well as understands leadership during difficult games.
Here are three players who stand out as strong contenders for Liverpool’s vice-captain role in the 2026/2027 campaign.
Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker has been Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper since 2018, when he joined the club from AS Roma. The Brazilian has been a commanding force at the back, leading teammates, forcing attacks, and helping the club win trophies.
Now the question is: why does Alisson Becker fit for this Role? The Brazilian has spent over eight (8) years at the club, playing on the biggest stage with the likes of Van Dijk, the current Captain, and Mohammed Salah, the Egypt national team captain.
Alisson is calm and well-composed even under pressure; this has been seen in his play style for both Liverpool and Brazil. This is an exact leadership quality the club should look out for: someone who will act as a voice during difficult games for the club.
Here is another twist to Alisson handling this role: his future at the club is uncertain as he has just a year left on his contract; if the management plans to let him go at the end of the season, this position could be a perfect way to acknowledge his effort and give him a final shot at influencing the squad.
Joe Gomez
Gomez being on this list could be a shock to many, but at the moment he is Liverpool’s longest-serving player, having joined the club way back in 2015. He has not really had the best career path at Liverpool due to injury, but he understands leadership, as he has developed a reputation for himself off the pitch.
The question of why Gomez fits for this role points to his versatility, as he can play across the entire back line, which is rare for many defenders. With this type of play style, an understanding will exist, as he could go forward with the squad during attacks and also fall back to defend.
The most notable attribute of Gomez is his level of respect from both teammates and staff for his level of professionalism and character on and off the pitch. Many fans and supporters argue that he should be regarded as a legend for the club, pointing to his loyalty and dedication over the years.
He is currently rated the 66th greatest Liverpool player of all time, falling behind Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson Becker, who are still actively involved with the squad.
Gomez has been inconsistent with the squad due to persistent injury, and the vice-captains are expected to be regular first-team players. With him always being out, it becomes difficult for him to win over players featuring in games every week.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai has grown into Liverpool’s most trusted midfielder; fans and supporters have already marked him out as Liverpool’s future captain. Since arriving at the club in the summer of 2023, he has championed most of the wins with his leadership qualities and never give up mindset.
Why does he fit:
Szoboszlai has been the captain of the Hungary National team; he has worn the shoes of leadership countless times, and so the role of vice-captain won’t be a new experience for him. It takes a lot of qualities to lead a National team made up of the best players; if he has this understanding, he would definitely do well as Liverpool’s vice-captain.
He has already marked his box as a regular starter for Liverpool, always present in games and knows how to influence even the most difficult of games.
After his performance in the 2025/2026 season and winning Liverpool’s Player of the Season, he presents more than an average player for the Reds; many fans would describe him as the next generation of the club’s leadership group.
The kicker in all this is that Szoboszlai is actually the youngest on the list with fewer trophies and fewer years when compared to Gomez and Alisson. Many would see it as unfair to the long-serving veterans who have devoted so much to the club’s development.
Who should get Liverpool’s Vice-Captain Armband?
Every candidate brings different qualities to the Reds; Alisson will guarantee experience and authority, Gomez will represent loyalty and long-lasting devotion to the club, and Szoboszlai will bring influence and point Liverpool to the future of leadership.
In all this, the decision rests heavily on the new manager, Andoni Iraola, whether he is building around the present or the future of Liverpool.
