Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool departure has left a vacancy in Arne Slot's squad that the Reds will need to fill this summer. The Scouse right-back was the club's vice-captain and would skipper the side in Virgil van Dijk's absence.
But after choosing to join Real Madrid, who negotiated a €10million fee with Liverpool to acquire the defender's services weeks before his contract expired, Alexander-Arnold has given up the honour bestowed on him by former boss Jurgen Klopp during a training session in Singapore in summer 2023.
It means Slot now has the challenge of finding Alexander-Arnold's replacement as vice-captain. But with a number of experienced candidates already in his squad, who should the Dutchman choose to take on the honour? Our writers have their say...
Ian Doyle
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The Liverpool squad have long established a 'leadership group' within their ranks, with players appointed by a straightforward vote. It means the pool from which the new vice-captain is likely to be selected appears clear.
And while the likes of Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah have strong claims to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, the player best suited to the role is Andy Robertson.
Robertson has been at the club eight years and has long been regarded a popular and influential member of the squad.
As Scotland's national team captain and having skippered Liverpool seven times previously - the most recent being in the Champions League clash at PSV Eindhoven in January - the left-back would be a natural for the role.
The only sticking point perhaps is that Robertson's regular starting position may not be guaranteed given the expected arrival of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth to challenge for his place. But the 31-year-old would make for an ideal deputy for captain Virgil van Dijk.
Theo Squires
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There are now four players left in the Liverpool leadership group following Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure, with Andy Robertson, Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah supporting Virgil van Dijk.
Robertson had been third-choice in the pecking order, but his starting status next season is far from secure as the Reds look to sign Milos Kerkez.
So instead, Liverpool should turn to a player guaranteed to be starting every week to step up as Van Dijk's deputy. In my opinion, Salah is the obvious successor as vice-captain after signing his new contract.
The Egyptian might be the most recent inductee into the leadership group, but his status at Anfield is there for all to see. He is the best player and, along with Van Dijk, the one everyone looks up to and sets an example for all.
Having captained Liverpool in the Premier League away at Brighton in the absence of Van Dijk, it appears Arne Slot might also feel the same.
Joe Rimmer
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There are several outstanding candidates to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool vice-captain, but realistically, there shouldn't be much debate about who is handed the honour.
Alisson Becker and Andy Robertson could both make strong cases to succeed the Scouser as Virgil van Dijk's deputy, while others such as Alexis Mac Allister lead by example.
But it's time to give Mohamed Salah what he deserves, with the Egyptian now ascending to living legend status with the Reds.
The 32-year-old signed a new, two-year extension with the Reds in April and his professionalism is well documented. A good leader should set the standards for others and it's little wonder that young players seek out Salah for advice on how to reach the top.
His work rate on the pitch is phenomenal and he can be the poster boy for the levels expected when joining and playing for Liverpool.
Ellie Harker
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There are several key contenders to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool’s vice-captain but Mohamed Salah is the name that stands out.
He could have received the captain’s armband back in 2023 following the departure of Jordan Henderson, but missed out to Virgil Van Dijk.
Giving him the vice-captaincy is not a long term solution and the Reds may find themselves having to replace both leadership roles sooner than they would like, with Salah and Van Dijk having signed just two-year contract extensions.
However, his loyalty to the club over the last eight seasons has proved he is deserving of the role. As one of Liverpool’s most important players, he has a strong presence in the squad and is already often sought after by youngsters for advice.
The Egyptian is also the captain for his country, an experience only a few in the running have, long establishing himself as a leader.
Slot potentially hinted at plans to give Salah the role, when he gave him the captain’s armband against Brighton in the penultimate game of the season, on his 400th appearance for the club.
The numbers speak for themselves, with no other active player having made as many appearances, cementing himself as an ideal candidate due to his full on role within the team.