Iraola names Liverpool vice-captains for 2026-27 season

Andoni Iraola has confirmed Liverpool's captaincy structure for the 2026-27 campaign, naming three vice-captains to support skipper Virgil van Dijk following Andy Robertson's summer departure.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of the Premier League opener at Newcastle United, the head coach confirmed his choices. "The captains will be Virgil, will be Alisson [Becker], will be Joe Gomez, and Dom Szoboszlai," Iraola said.

Iraola took care to explain to goalkeeper Alisson why he would not be able to wear the armband in practice, citing restrictions introduced under new rules. "I wanted him to feel like we value him," the coach said, adding that he needed to make the decision clear to the Brazilian.

"If something happens in the opposition box the referee has to explain to the captains what's happening, all the decisions," Iraola explained. He referenced his previous experience at Bournemouth, where he had keeper Neto in a similar role: "You have to start every game to say a different player that can act as a captain, and this is not viable."

Robertson's exit this summer left a vacancy in the leadership group. Iraola indicated that while Alisson holds a vice-captain designation, the armband will in practice be carried by an outfield player — Gomez or Szoboszlai — when Van Dijk is unavailable.

Liverpool open their Premier League season away at Newcastle United.