Liverpool’s leadership is undergoing its biggest shakeup in years as Jurgen Klopp looks for a new figurehead in his squad of players.

Vice-captain James Milner joined Brighton on a free transfer this summer, while captain Jordan Henderson will join Steven Gerrard in the Saudi Pro League.

The Reds have lifted every club trophy imaginable under both leaders, but the squad’s next phase may have to be played without them.

The heir apparent to the captain’s armband is Virgil van Dijk, who has often stepped in in the absence of the manager’s two main players and looks set to step up after the turmoil in the player hierarchy.

Van Dijk is also captain of the Netherlands national team, which puts him in a strong position both in terms of experience and Leadership credentials.

The new No. 4 substitute could pose a bigger problem, as a number of other national team captains and members of Klopp’s leadership team remain in the squad.

Here, we take a look at some of the leading candidates for Liverpool’s new vice-captain.

Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson joined the Reds in the summer of 2017 for £8 million.

The 29-year-old has become an integral part of the squad both on and off the pitch, and is now Scotland’s captain and part of the Reds’ leadership, making him firmly in discussions for the recently vacated vice-captainship.

Promotion to vice-captain could represent the next logical step up in the left-back’s career after six stellar seasons on Merseyside, but questions remain over his ability to be part of a back three in Klopp’s new system.

Adaptability: 8
possibility: 7

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself a year older than Gerrard was when he took the captain’s armband from Gerard Houllier in 2003.

A local boy and a player who will undoubtedly be captain for years to come, Trent could provide the perfect solution for Klopp as a stepping stone to Van Dijk’s recognition.

The 24-year-old is just one of many players in the head coach’s leadership team, but he looks set to explode on the pitch after giving fans a taste of what he is capable of in a mixed role last season.

Adaptability: 8
possibility: 8

mohamed salah

Given the chance, the King of Egypt will certainly take on greater responsibility next season.

In terms of role model on the pitch, no one has carried more responsibility than Salah since joining the club in the summer of 2017, scoring 186 goals in 305 appearances.

Another national team captain, Salah, has led Egypt to the final of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and there is no doubt that he has the ability to carry his team across the finish line as Gerrard did all those years ago.

Adaptability: 8
possibility: 7

Allison

The concept of goalkeeping captaincy may divide among supporters, but Alisson has certainly not been shy about giving instructions to his fellow men.

The Brazilian led the side to a 2-0 win over Porto in November when players voted on which players should be ranked behind Henderson and Milner.

This is perhaps the most left-wing option available, but the only stumbling block may be Alisson’s position rather than a lack of leadership quality.

Adaptability: 9
possibility: 7

It is an unprecedented situation in Liverpool’s modern history, with the captain’s armband set to change hands for the third time in the past two decades.

The head coach has a lot on his mind and is eager to resolve matters as quickly as possible so he can turn his attention to the work at hand this season.

Let us know which of these options, or any other option, you think should be next for Vice Captain!