Arne Slot confirms Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement as Liverpool’s vice-captain

Liverpool head coach has decided upon the club’s vice-captain following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid and few will be surprised by the choice at Anfield

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that defender Andy Robertson is the club’s vice-captain. Virgil can Dijk had been without an official deputy following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid at the end of last season.

Robertson was one of four players to wear the armband last season with Mo Salah taking on the responsibility in addition to Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold. But it is the Scotland captain who has been handed the formal honour of being the club’s back-up when Van Dijk is unavailable.

The 31-year-old veteran has been a stalwart of Liverpool starting XIs since arriving from Hull CIty eight years ago. This season has season Robertson face a renewed challenge however.

The full-back was linked to a possible departure from Anfield with the likes of Atletico Madrid interested in his signature. And there has been added competition under Slot following the arrival of Milos Kerkez at Anfield.

Nevertheless, Robertson’s seniority and mentality has seen him take on vice-captain responsibilities. It was a logical decision for Slot.

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The Dutchman told reporters: “It’s Robbo. He has played here so many years, won the league twice. It was Virgil, Trent, Robbo and Mo [Salah] last season. Trent left, so there are a lot of logical reasons for [the decision].

“He is a very good player, plays many games, knows what it takes, knows the culture, but also knows the culture of the club and the dressing room.

“Apart from all the quality he shows on the pitch, he plays also a big role in the culture we have here at this club. Which is, [as] I said many times last season, the biggest gift I could get from Jürgen [Klopp].

“That’s also something we definitely have to keep for my successor to have, this same culture, if I am ever leaving this club.”

Speaking ahead of Arsenal, with the transfer deadline looming, Slot suggested the club would act if the correct opportunities arrived.

“If we can strengthen the squad then we will always try to do that if it’s for the right money and it’s the right player,” he said. “There are only three or four days to go now, so let’s see if we do something – and if we do something, what we can do.”

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