06 Jun 2023 14:30:23
Ed001 if you are around,

With Milner leaving the club this summer, what are your thoughts on the current leaders in the Liverpool squad? Hendo isn't getting any younger, people have concerns on VVD's ability declining, and with none of the players that we are being linked to seeming to be a future captain type (like Jude may have been), do you think we run the risk of not having some proper leaders in our squad for the coming season?

{Ed001's Note - I wouldn't have said van Dijk was a leader personally. Alisson you seem to have forgotten. I do think it is an issue though, but I think Trent and Robertson are leaders. I also think Mac Allister could become a leader, though I dont see him as captain material.}

1.) 06 Jun 2023
06 Jun 2023 15:53:10
I don't see Trent as a leader to be fair. I don’t remember him being very vocal at all. Robertson yes.

2.) 06 Jun 2023
06 Jun 2023 16:25:07
Robbo and VVD definitely. I think the lack of height could be a potential issue if Fab and Hendo aren’t going to play much.

3.) 06 Jun 2023
06 Jun 2023 17:27:57
Cheers Ed001. The reason I ask mostly comes out of Milner leaving. I’m not sure if you watch much of the content that LFC put out on YouTube, but they did a recent vid asking all the current squad about him and his impact on the team and he really did seem like he was an absolute professional and leader and helped the team cultivate that winning mentality. I just worry a bit about him leaving (along with other leaders getting older etc) that we will miss a bit of an extra edge next season.

Is there any player who fits the leader mould that you would want us to sign (other than Jude that is! )

{Ed001's Note - Gvardiol, hence why he is the other I was so keen on.}

4.) 06 Jun 2023
06 Jun 2023 17:36:33
I've never really seen Van Dijk as a leader. Robbo definitely but once Nunez gets to know the language and can chanel his aggression maybe him and also Diaz doesn't seem to mind sharing an opinion and tends to lead by example as in leaving nothing on the pitch.

5.) 06 Jun 2023
06 Jun 2023 17:57:00
Got the feeling Gakpo might grow into a leader next season.
He’s got something about him and he might just grab the bull by the Nuts and be like, this is my club, new era, let’s get back to the top.
Hope so anyway.

6.) 06 Jun 2023
06 Jun 2023 18:57:22
Good call lfc8 as regards gakpo, seemed bit tentative when he first signed but he does seem to have a strong and good character.

7.) 06 Jun 2023
06 Jun 2023 19:01:29
We have a lot of leaders on our team even Bobbie was a leader and a role model in his own right with the way he carried himself thu out his time here hence, the type of send-off he got. Im not worried about leadership within the squad.

As for who will be capt? Trent would be a good shout. Wouldn't have VVD anywhere near the arm band as a full time capt. as he tends to carry it as a hinderence to his game and actually plays worse when he has it on as capt. for the day. Just my take.

8.) 06 Jun 2023
06 Jun 2023 19:05:43
I'm kind of surprised that Salah is never considered for the Captain or vice-captains positions, and I always wonder why? Leadership on the field entails always being the example, having an excellent work ethic, putting in the necessary effort and determination and being the manager's "man" on the field in terms of tactics and strategy. He doesn't have to be the best player in the team. If this is accurate, I don't see why Salah doesn't qualify. We all know he is always present in training, has missed only 3 games in 6 years (that's incredible once you think about it), puts in the effort on the field (hates being taken off) and is well liked by his team mates. He has a calmness about him that tells you how professional he is about the game (when have you seen him lash out after a foul or roll around like a limb has been broken? The only negatives that possibly work against him is that he is soft spoken, is not a screamer and many accuse him of some "selfishness". I don't buy the selfishness thing one bit; for me, he's doing his job. He's there to put the ball in the net not give out assists; there are others whose job that is. His salary package doesn't reflect a player who's supposed to spray in crosses and assists.

I agree with the Alisson, Roberstson and VVD candidacies too. No major doubts about them, for me. Just don't understand why Salah is not included in the conversation.

9.) 06 Jun 2023
06 Jun 2023 19:14:17
Think Gvardiol would be the dream. Shame really.

10.) 06 Jun 2023
06 Jun 2023 19:31:15
ArAy1969 scoring goals is hard enough as it is without wearing the arm band and he's still our main goal threat. But totally agree with the points about his character. I suppose many things make a leader. I remember when Gerrard got the arm band but some people thought Carragher should have got it. He was the more vocal but Gerrard was so inspirational on the pitch that it had to be him. Eyebrows were raised when Henderson took over but he was a great example on the pitch and by all accounts in the dressing room to.

11.) 06 Jun 2023
06 Jun 2023 23:57:09
Difficult for Salah to be an effective on-field captain when he can spend much of the game not involved.

12.) 07 Jun 2023
07 Jun 2023 07:20:28
VVD is the type of leader that other players will look to. Whether that means he is a "leader" or not under your definition, he has that kind of standing in the team from what I can tell.

13.) 07 Jun 2023
07 Jun 2023 11:12:13
I can agree on the points around Salah. But my thoughts have always been that your striker should not be your captain unless in special circumstances, where it is clear and obvious they are the ones leading the team.
I think Kane can be used as a good example on the international stage but often if your striker is having an off day and not playing well/ getting bullied/ sided out of the game and simply not having any impact. Then you’re almost in a situation of playing with 10 men as managers would not like to drop their captain. Or if they are to sub them, it isn’t until 60/ 70 minutes.

I think a captain should be someone who can have eyes on the entire game, either in the middle or from the back, they can see what’s going on.
A strikers role is to score and win the game, having the added pressure of managing the team would be too much, and if they’re not scoring or on a bad run. You’re stepping yourself up to fail.

For me, I think Alisson shows the best potential for captain for us, he has the experience, the character and oversight to see everything that’s going on and can be commanding. Robbo is another that is a good shout, but it will be hard to see if he is gunna get game time next season with the possible formation change. He is also a passionate player who wears his heart on his sleeve but it’s hard to know how good he would be as actual captain.

It will be interesting to see.