Arne Slot has confirmed he has made his decision on who will be his next Liverpool vice-captain.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s summer departure Real Madrid had left a vacancy in the leadership group, prompting widespread debate about who might step up alongside the captain. Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker have all been viewed as frontrunners, with several other senior players also part of a strong leadership core.
And now the question of who will wear the vice-captain’s armband for Liverpool this season is almost settled — at least internally.
Slot has revealed that a decision has been made on Virgil van Dijk’s deputy, though he insists the identity will remain a mystery until the official announcement is made.
Speaking after Saturday’s 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong, the Dutchman first hinted that a decision was close, stressing that leadership at Liverpool comes from more than just two players.
“It’s true that Trent [Alexander-Arnold] left the club, but Virgil and Trent already got the help from others as well last season.
It is probably already decided, but I’m not telling it here yet who will be the new vice-captain, but it’s clear we have more than a few that can take that role.”
Following Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, Slot went one step further. He confirmed that the decision is made and that the player has already been informed, even if the rest of the squad has not.
“The group doesn’t know yet, but I’ve talked to the individuals. So, the one that’s going to be vice captain already knows.
Everyone likes to have leaders in the team and I have the privilege that I have a few of them.“
Andy Robertson has been strongly linked with the role, with reports suggesting the left-back is Slot’s choice. Speaking to The Anfield Wrap after the AC Milan defeat, Robertson admitted the speculation had reached him.
“I’ve seen rumours and I’ve had texts and people congratulating me but I’ve not heard anything!”
Whether or not Robertson has since had the conversation with his manager remains to be seen, but Slot’s latest comments confirm the issue is now settled.
Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Ibrahima Konaté and Alexis Mac Allister are all viewed as part of a wider leadership collective at the club, and Slot has repeatedly stressed the importance of strong voices in the dressing room during a season of transition.
An official announcement on the new vice-captain is expected before the reigning champions begin their Premier League campaign next month. Until then, the guessing game continues but one thing is clear the decision has already been made.
