With current vice-captain Andy Robertson set to leave this summer along with Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk admits he has a preference for his next deputy leader.
Van Dijk has been Liverpool captain for almost three years now, and in that time he has already had two vice-captains.
Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s departure to Real Madrid last summer saw him hand the role to Robertson, who in turn will leave at the end of the season.
It leaves Arne Slot with a big decision to make for the next campaign, with Van Dijk expected to give his input on who should be his new second-in-command.
“I don’t want to say [who the next vice captain should be],” he told reporters including the Liverpool Echo‘s Paul Gorst after the Merseyside derby.
“But I definitely have my opinion and I always share my opinion [with the club].”
Who will be Liverpool’s next vice-captain?
MILAN, ITALY - Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Joe Gomez form a huddle during the UEFA Champions League game between Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at the Stadio San Siro. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Any decision over vice-captain will likely be communicated in the summer, with Liverpool due to report to the AXA Training Centre for the start of pre-season in early July.
Most of the squad will return late, however, due to their participation at the World Cup – including Van Dijk and many of the likely candidates for the No. 2 role.
Ibrahima Konate would likely be considered – and backed by his centre-back partner – if he signs a new contract as is now expected, while there are a number of other options too.
Dominik Szoboszlai is widely touted as a future Liverpool captain and could step into the role in the way Jordan Henderson did behind Steven Gerrard back in 2014.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Andrew Robertson of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
If experience is favoured the likes of Alisson and Joe Gomez may come into contention, though both have question marks over their futures along with the only Scouser in the squad Curtis Jones.
Alexis Mac Allister is already seen as part of Liverpool’s informal leadership group while Cody Gakpo is frequently named as one of the most influential players in the dressing room.
“Players have to step up,” Van Dijk said as Robertson and Salah prepare to leave.
“You grow into that role or you already have it in you, that is something players have to show even more next season.”
The Big Debate
Who should be Virgil van Dijk‘s next vice-captain?
With Andy Robertson following Mo Salah out of the Anfield exit door, Liverpool face a leadership vacuum this summer. While Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai are convincing candidates, experience could come from Alisson – provided he stays.
Who would you pick as Liverpool’s new vice-captain? Have your say in the comments!