Arne Slot is facing the important task of not only integrating new players at Liverpool but also replacing a key leader in the wake of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure. With Alexander-Arnold having left on a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer, there is a vacant vice-captain role.
The club’s captaincy remains with Virgil van Dijk, but Slot has confirmed he is close to naming his new second-in-command. Following Liverpool’s preseason victory over Yokohama F. Marinos, Slot revealed, “I did talk to the individuals already, so the one that’s going to be vice-captain already knows.”
The new manager emphasized the importance of having leaders in the squad, stating, “Everybody likes to have leaders in the team, and in modern football you don’t see that that much anymore. I have the privilege that I have a few of them, so experienced players that are not only experienced but understand the game and can be a voice inside the group and during the game. So, that’s always very helpful.”
The player chosen will have to fill a significant void left by Alexander-Arnold, who was one of the club’s most popular players. His exit created a gap both on and off the pitch.
When asked for more details, Slot remained cautious, saying, “It’s difficult to say but we are now at the beginning of August, so there’s a month to go. So many things can happen in football in a month, so let’s wait and see.“
While veterans like Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, and Andy Robertson are all considered strong candidates for the role, other players with captaincy experience, such as Ibrahima Konaté and Dominik Szoboszlai, are also in contention.
Liverpool has now returned to Merseyside after completing their preseason tour in Asia. The Reds will play their next friendly match at Anfield.
