Liverpool are facing a period of transition after replacing head coach Arne Slot with Andoni Iraola, and the departure of long-serving left-back Andy Robertson has left a vacancy for vice-captain. Robertson, who joined Tottenham after nine seasons at Anfield, had been Virgil van Dijk's deputy. Now, the ECHO writers have assessed the viable options for the role.
Paul Gorst: Joe Gomez a Left-Field Shout
Paul Gorst notes that when Liverpool last appointed a vice-captain, Robertson was chosen over Mohamed Salah because the Egyptian would rarely play when Van Dijk was absent. With Milos Kerkez's arrival reducing Robertson's playing time, the Scotland skipper was a logical deputy. Now, options are limited. Alisson Becker commands respect in the dressing room, and Dominik Szoboszlai, captain of Hungary, would welcome the promotion. However, Gorst suggests Joe Gomez as a left-field candidate. Now in his 11th year at the club, Gomez is not a ranter or raver but is popular within the squad, and the role would recognise his service.
Ian Doyle: Gomez Should Get the Nod
Ian Doyle believes naming a vice-captain is low on Iraola's priorities, but the prestige should not be diminished. Van Dijk has missed few games recently—Robertson only wore the armband nine times—so the deputy's demands are minimal, likely limited to League Cup and FA Cup ties. Doyle argues the vice-captain should be someone likely to feature in those games with good experience, ruling out Alisson and Szoboszlai. The job is between Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo. As Liverpool's longest-serving current player, Gomez should get the nod, having already captained the side six times, second only to Van Dijk's 192.
Mark Jones: Szoboszlai a Natural Fit
Mark Jones questions what a vice-captain actually does beyond wearing the armband, noting the role involves behind-the-scenes work and maintaining a winning culture. James Milner excelled in this, but no modern equivalent exists. Jones suggests not overthinking it: Dominik Szoboszlai was Liverpool's standout player last season, and the 25-year-old Hungary captain learned about leadership during the campaign. Despite flaws, giving him the role could help him mature. Newer squad members already look up to him, making him a natural fit.
Richard Garnett: Alisson Becker Commands Respect
Richard Garnett emphasises that Liverpool lost significant experience with the departures of Robertson, Salah, and Konate, plus Trent Alexander-Arnold a year earlier. Replacing this is difficult, so the vice-captain must command total respect. He looks no further than Alisson Becker. The goalkeeper has been linked with Juventus, but that interest has quietened, and Liverpool cannot afford to lose him. Garnett sees few other decent options unless a new established player arrives. If Joe Gomez remains at the club, he is a viable alternative for when Van Dijk and Alisson are not playing. As the most senior player, Gomez has seen it all, if he can stay fit.
