- Andy Robertson will leave Liverpool at the end of the season
- The Reds, thus, have to find a new vice-captain for the second year in a row
- Arne Slot has a dearth of leaders in his team, but five candidates stand out
ReadLiverpoolFC have rounded up five players who could replace Andy Robertson as the new Liverpool vice-captain next season.
On Thursday (9 April), it emerged that the Scotland international will leave the Merseyside-based club when his contract runs out at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
After nine successful years, the 32-year-old has decided to pull the curtain on his time with the Reds and move on to another club.
Therefore, Liverpool are set to lose one of the most senior members of their squad, who is known for keeping morale up.
Robertson’s exit also means that the Premier League heavyweights have to find a new vice-captain for the second year in a row.
It is worth noting that Arne Slot named the Scot as Virgil van Dijk’s deputy in the wake of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure last summer.
The leadership in the squad has left much to be desired this term, which makes it hard to pinpoint a clear favourite to take over from Robertson.
Ranking five candidates to become new Liverpool vice-captain
5. Ryan Gravenberch
At 23, Gravenberch is the youngest player on the list, while also being the least likely to become Van Dijk’s deputy. However, the midfielder is fresh off signing a new bumper contract with the Anfield outfit, committing his future until 2032.
It is clear that Liverpool are in a period of transition, and they must highlight younger players like Gravenberch. That said, it may be too early for the former Ajax star to take the role of vice-captain in Slot’s squad.
4. Cody Gakpo
This might be an unpopular pick among many Liverpool fans, considering how frustrating Gakpo has been to watch at times this season. However, the Netherlands international is said to be identified as a ‘mature figure’ in the team.
Therefore, it is not a stretch to suggest that the ex-PSV Eindhoven talisman will be in the mix to replace Robertson as the six-time European champions’ new vice-captain.
3. Ibrahima Konate
One of the most sensible options to take the role in question is Konate. At 26, the centre-back has a good amount of experience under his belt and is also entering his prime. He has also captained the France national team, thus boosting his own credentials.
There is one sticking point, though. As things stand, the Frenchman is due to leave the club on a free transfer when his deal runs out this summer. Talks over a new contract are said to be at an advanced stage now, and if an agreement is struck, he will certainly be an option to replace Robertson.
Top two choices to become Van Dijk’s deputy at Liverpool
2. Alisson
When Robertson and Mohamed Salah depart, Alisson will be the only player, apart from Van Dijk, from Jurgen Klopp’s 2019 UEFA Champions League final-winning starting XI still at Liverpool. He was also a part of the German’s leadership group, which has since been dismantled by Slot.
The Reds have taken up the option to extend the Brazilian’s contract by another year, which means he can serve as Van Dijk’s assistant for a year if he is chosen for the role. It is up to the club to decide if they want to be in a situation where they have to choose a new captain and vice-captain next year.
1. Dominik Szoboszlai
Not only is Szoboszlai a leading candidate to replace Robertson as Liverpool’s vice-captain, but he is also a strong choice to take the armband from Van Dijk when he eventually leaves. Apart from the fact that he already captains the Hungary national team, the 25-year-old has also been one of the team’s best players this season.
The English giants placed a great amount of trust in the attacker when they handed him Steven Gerrard’s No. 8 shirt upon his arrival in 2023. It now remains to be seen if he will follow in the Englishman’s footsteps again by becoming the club’s new skipper.
