Iraola names three Liverpool vice-captains under Van Dijk
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has named Alisson, Joe Gomez, and Dominik Szoboszlai as vice-captains alongside captain Virgil van Dijk for the 2026-27 season. The trio fill leadership vacancies left by Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, though Alisson will not wear the armband in matches. Iraola confirmed the group at his pre-Newcastle United press conference, reshaping a dressing room after two longtime deputies departed.
Key Takeaways
- Andoni Iraola confirmed Virgil van Dijk remains Liverpool captain with Alisson, Joe Gomez, and Dominik Szoboszlai as vice-captains.
- Alisson's vice-captain role is largely symbolic; Premier League rules mean he will not wear the armband during games.
- Robertson and Salah's summer exits opened leadership spots in a reshaped dressing room.
- Van Dijk says Liverpool must challenge for the Premier League title after a "very unacceptable" prior season.
- Szoboszlai is expected to lead on the pitch when Van Dijk is unavailable.
Why Did Iraola Name Three Liverpool Vice-Captains?
Speaking at his pre-Newcastle United press conference on Friday, Iraola confirmed the leadership group after being asked about replacing Andy Robertson. "The captains will be Virgil, will be Alisson, Joe Gomez, and Dom Szoboszlai," he said, according to Yahoo Sports.
Robertson and Salah both left Liverpool during the summer, removing two of Van Dijk's longtime deputies. Rather than appoint a single successor, Iraola spread responsibility across three senior figures who he believes can help steady a squad in transition.
Why Won't Alisson Wear the Captain's Armband?
Premier League regulations now restrict referee discussions to the designated captain. When incidents occur in the opposition penalty area, the referee must explain decisions directly to captains on the pitch.
Iraola told Alisson that a goalkeeper cannot practically fulfill that role. "If something happens in the opposition box the referee has to explain to the captains what's happening, all the decisions," he explained. He cited his experience with Neto at Bournemouth, where naming a different outfield stand-in each match proved unworkable.
The appointment still carries weight. "I wanted him to feel like we value him," Iraola said, framing Alisson's vice-captaincy as recognition of his standing even without the armband. For more on how sports leadership intersects with broader innovation trends, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders coverage.
What Does Virgil van Dijk Expect This Season?
Days after Iraola's announcement, Van Dijk set a blunt target in a Men In Blazers interview reported by Yahoo Sports. "As a Liverpool captain, as a Liverpool player, I want to be challenging for the Premier League title," he said, while acknowledging Arsenal's consistency last season.
He described the previous campaign as "very unacceptable" by Liverpool standards and stressed that consistency will decide whether the club competes until the final weeks. On Iraola's methods, Van Dijk summed up training in two words: "Intense football."
Pressed on who might step up after Salah and Robertson, Van Dijk declined to name names. "I don't think it's good to name names. I think you will see it throughout the season," he said — a stance that makes Iraola's shared vice-captain model all the more significant.
Who Will Wear the Armband When Van Dijk Is Absent?
With Alisson ruled out for on-pitch captaincy, Dominik Szoboszlai is widely viewed as the leading candidate to wear the armband when Van Dijk rests or is unavailable. Joe Gomez, Liverpool's longest-serving player, is also positioned to play a prominent leadership role alongside the Hungarian midfielder.
The expanded leadership group reflects both Iraola's tactical pragmatism and Van Dijk's call for others to accept responsibility. Liverpool open their Premier League season at Newcastle United on Sunday, with the new captaincy structure set for its first test.