ALISSON NAMED LIVERPOOL VICE-CAPTAIN BUT BARRED FROM WEARING ARMBAND

Alisson Becker has been appointed as one of Andoni Iraola's vice-captains at Liverpool, joining Dominik Szoboszlai and Joe Gomez in the deputy role to club captain Virgil van Dijk. The Brazilian goalkeeper will not be permitted to wear the captain's armband on the pitch, however, despite his position within the club's leadership structure. Iraola is drawing on Alisson's experience as he begins his tenure as Liverpool manager, with the 33-year-old entering his ninth season at Anfield.

The restriction on Alisson wearing the armband stems from Premier League rules introduced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The "Only the Captain" guidelines, incorporated into the Laws of the Game ahead of last season, stipulate that only the designated captain may speak to referees during matches. The Premier League adopted these rules to minimise dissent directed at match officials. Should Van Dijk be unavailable, the armband would instead pass to Szoboszlai or Gomez, with Alisson serving in a leadership capacity without the formal insignia.

Alisson has won every major trophy available during his time at Liverpool and has established himself as a significant figure both on the pitch and in the dressing room. His appointment as vice-captain reflects his standing within the club, despite the practical limitations on his ability to exercise the captain's formal duties. Van Dijk will captain Liverpool for a fourth consecutive season.