‘Bringing His Experience’ – Alisson Says Liverpool Are Now Adding a ‘Young’ Player to Their Leadership Group

Liverpool are fortunate to have some of the most iconic figures in modern football among their ranks.

The Reds have accomplished a great deal in recent years, and it’s easy to see why when considering the calibre of players on the team.

While the squad has undergone several changes over the past few seasons, a core group of elite players has remained a constant throughout.

Virgil van Dijk, the team captain, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history. Alisson Becker, the goalkeeper, could very well earn similar recognition by the time he retires.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, the vice-captain, has spent two decades with Liverpool, while Mohamed Salah is celebrated as both a club legend and one of the Premier League’s best-ever wingers.

Alongside renowned left-back Andy Robertson, this group of five forms Liverpool’s ‘leadership group’—a set of players responsible for addressing matters within the team. According to Alisson, a new player has recently joined their ranks.

Alexis Mac Allister Stepping Up at Liverpool

When considering Liverpool’s recent history, five players stand out as having played crucial roles throughout Jurgen Klopp’s successful tenure at Anfield.

Although Joe Gomez remains part of the squad, the 27-year-old’s quiet demeanor and inconsistent presence in the team during Klopp’s reign have made him a more peripheral figure.

These players have become giants in Liverpool’s modern era, their contributions cementing their place in the club’s history.

Currently, it looks like three of these key players could be departing at the end of the season. While there is hope this situation may change before May, Liverpool must start planning for their successors.

With both the captain and vice-captain potentially leaving, Alisson has hinted that the club might be preparing a young player to step into a leadership role.

“I am committed to this club 100%,” the goalkeeper told BBC Sport. “And I think that involves how to being part of this leadership group.

“Me, Virgil, Robbo, Trent, Mo, Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] now is someone that is bringing his experience as well.

“He is young, but he has achieved so many things already,” Alisson adds. “And that brings him to a standard of good leadership.”

Alexis Mac Allister Could be a Future Liverpool Captain

Liverpool now find themselves in a precarious situation with their contracts, as both the captain and vice-captain could potentially leave for free next summer.

This scenario wouldn’t be unfamiliar to Liverpool, as they experienced a similar situation in 2023 when Jordan Henderson and James Milner departed simultaneously, leaving leadership roles to be filled by Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

However, if a similar event were to occur again, it would be harder to determine who could step into those roles.

Alisson, due to his commanding presence, seems a likely candidate for the captaincy, while Robertson could make a solid vice-captain.

That said, Alisson’s recent performances suggest that Alexis Mac Allister could be a future contender for the armband. The Argentine has shown exceptional professionalism and appears fully at ease at Liverpool. If he remains with the club long-term, he might very well become a future captain.

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