Andoni Iraola has confirmed his decision for Liverpool’s vice-captaincy while explaining why Alisson could be overlooked for the role during games in the new season
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Alisson Becker of Liverpool acknowledges the fans after the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio at Anfield on August 16, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alisson will be Liverpool's new vice-captain but he may not always wear the armband(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola has confirmed his decision on Liverpool’s vice-captaincy while explaining why Alisson may not be the preferred option to wear the armband during games this season.
With Andy Robertson leaving Liverpool for Tottenham this summer, the vice-captaincy has become available ahead of the new season. Several players have been in contention to take on a leadership role.
Iraola has identified four players who will form the Reds’ leadership group, with Virgil van Dijk as captain, followed by Alisson as vice-captain, alongside Joe Gomez and Dominik Szoboszlai. “The captains will be Virgil, will be Alisson [Becker], will be Joe Gomez, and Dom Szoboszlai", said Iraola in his pre-Newcastle press conference.
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Iraola has also explained why Alisson may not regularly wear the captain’s armband despite being Van Dijk's second in command. He added: "I explained to Alisson that it might not be possible he wears the armband because big limitation on the goalkeepers wearing the armbands. Because basically, if something happens in the opposition box the referee has to explain to the captains what’s happening, all the decisions.
“I had one season with Neto in Bournemouth and then you have to start every game to say a different player that can act as a captain, and this is not viable.
“But I wanted him to feel like we value him. I’ve had enough time and we will have more time to know each other, but I had to explain also the decision about the armband to Ali because he is a ’keeper and, unfortunately, they are putting the rules in a way that there is a lot of disadvantages to having a ’keeper as a captain.”
There is no rule preventing goalkeepers from being named captain or vice-captain in the Premier League, but recent changes have made the role more complicated for goalkeepers.
Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool during preseason
Dominik Szoboszlai is one of few Liverpool players popular in Fantasy Premier League this season(Image: Photo by Lewis Storey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Under the league’s stricter “captains-only” communication rule, only the designated captain can approach the referee to discuss decisions without risking a yellow card. With goalkeepers largely confined to their penalty area, clubs must nominate an outfield player to act as the main point of contact if their goalkeeper wears the armband.
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Van Dijk was virtually ever-present for Liverpool last season, playing every minute of their Premier League and Champions League campaigns while missing just nine minutes in the FA Cup. He also sat out both Carabao Cup matches.
Despite turning 35 last month, Liverpool will hope their captain remains equally influential this season. When Van Dijk is rested, Szoboszlai is expected to be the leading candidate to wear the armband.
Alisson and Gomez are also expected to play key leadership roles around the dressing room and training ground, having spent eight and 11 years at Liverpool respectively. Szoboszlai, meanwhile, appears to be the long-term successor to Van Dijk after signing a new five-year contract in July.