Alisson confirmed as Liverpool vice-captain, but he will never wear the armband
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has named Alisson as vice-captain but clarified that the goalkeeper will not wear the armband due to new rules limiting a keeper's ability to communicate with referees. Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to act as the primary deputy to captain Virgil van Dijk.
Why it matters
This illustrates how changes in sports regulations can impact team leadership dynamics and on-field tactical communication.
Andoni Iraola has appointed Alisson as Liverpool FC 's new vice-captain – but immediately said why the goalkeeper is unlikely to wear the armband, even if Virgil van Dijk is missing.
The Liverpool manager believes that new rules mean it is very difficult for a goalkeeper to skipper a side because they risk being taken 100 yards out of position when summoned to talk to a referee.
And that could lead to Dominik Szoboszlai in effect acting as Van Dijk's deputy following the departure of vice-captain Andy Robertson , who joined Tottenham .
Premier League rules only allow the captains to speak to the referees (Getty)
Alisson, who was third in line for the armband last season, has moved up in the pecking order, while Liverpool's longest-serving player Joe Gomez is also in the leadership group, but is currently injured and may not start often.
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