Potential Torchbearers: Who Will Take Up the Captain’s Mantle at Liverpool?

In the heart of Anfield, whispers about Jordan Henderson, the revered Liverpool captain, potentially shifting his loyalty to the Saudi Pro League have stirred a cauldron of anxiety and speculation. Henderson’s sterling record and influence in the Liverpool squad is no secret; he’s been the fulcrum of the squad for years, and his departure would leave a void. But who might step up to fill the boots of such an iconic captain?

Saudi’s Still ‘Confident’ of Capturing Liverpool Midfielder

A possible departure of this magnitude prompts the question of who will wield the armband – that emblem of leadership and responsibility. Since 2015, Henderson has carried this mantle, receiving it from the legendary Steven Gerrard himself.

The Man between the Sticks: Alisson Becker

One candidate who stands out is Alisson Becker, the watchful guardian of Liverpool’s net. In the throes of action, a goalkeeper’s panoramic view of the pitch lends them a unique strategic perspective, and Becker has already proven himself indispensable during his five seasons at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s trust in goalkeepers is a matter of record; his time at Borussia Dortmund saw Roman Weidenfeller frequently sporting the captain’s armband.

Scotland’s Captain: Andrew Robertson

Another potential successor is Andrew Robertson, a player whose relentless work ethic is second to none in the Premier League. Respect from your peers is a crucial aspect of captaincy, and Robertson’s relentless drive certainly commands that. The sturdy left-back, who led Scotland at Euro 2020, has previously shown his captaincy skills on the international stage since 2018.

Local Hero: Trent Alexander-Arnold

The emotional appeal of a homegrown captain cannot be underestimated. Trent Alexander-Arnold, moulded by the Liverpool academy and a Scouser himself, checks these boxes. At only 24, the versatile player has held a regular first-team spot for over five years. Alexander-Arnold’s age shouldn’t be a deterrent – after all, Steven Gerrard was a younger skipper when he took up the mantle in 2003.

Photo: IMAGO

The Egyptian Pharaoh: Mohamed Salah

Liverpool’s long-serving luminary, Mohamed Salah, is another serious contender for the captaincy. The Egyptian maestro, an Anfield legend, has consistently led by example since 2017, and his impressive scoring record speaks volumes. Additionally, his experience of captaining the Egyptian national team since 2019 bolsters his credentials.

The Towering Dutchman: Virgil van Dijk

However, the obvious choice seems to be Virgil van Dijk. Already a key stand-in for Henderson, the towering Dutchman has been wearing the armband on a semi-regular basis since his inaugural season with the club in 2018/19. His commanding presence on the pitch and experience of leading the Dutch national team since early 2018 make him a strong candidate.

Whether Henderson decides to move towards the riches of Saudi football or continue his journey with Liverpool remains uncertain. One thing is sure: the individual who inherits the captain’s armband will be stepping into a role that is as revered as it is challenging.