Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has been appointed as a new vice-captain at the Premier League club, but he is unlikely to ever wear the armband on the pitch.
The decision comes as a result of Premier League rule changes introduced last season, which stipulate that only the team captain is permitted to approach the referee to discuss major decisions or match flashpoints. Because running the length of the pitch to debate decisions like a penalty shout in the opposition box is impractical for a goalkeeper, the Brazil No 1 will not take the armband during matches.
Virgil van Dijk is club captain at Liverpool. Alisson has been named as vice-skipper to replace outgoing defender Andy Robertson, joining fellow experienced defender Joe Gomez and Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai in the squad leadership group.
Premier League referee rule limitations
Andoni Iraola explained that the refereeing guidelines create a major disadvantage for teams whose captains play in goal. "I explained to Alisson especially that it's not going to be possible that he wears the armband because with the new rule I think there is a big limitation if a goalkeeper wears the armband," Iraola said.
"Because basically, if something happens in the opposition box the referee has to explain to the captains what's happening, all the decisions."
Iraola recalled his past managerial experience with goalkeeper Neto at Bournemouth when dealing with similar pitch restrictions. "I had one season with (goalkeeper) Neto in Bournemouth and then you have to start every game to say a different player that can act as a captain, and this is not viable," Iraola said.
Goalkeeper captaincy in top-flight football
Despite the restrictions during games, Iraola emphasized the importance of recognizing the goalkeeper's status within the squad. "But I wanted him to feel like we value him. I've had enough time and we will have more time to get to know each other, but I had to explain the decision about the armband to Ali," he said.
"Because he is a keeper and, unfortunately, they are putting the rules in a way that there are a lot of disadvantages to having a keeper as a captain," Iraola added.
Of all Premier League clubs, only one currently features a goalkeeper as team captain. Crystal Palace are the sole exception in the top flight, with Dean Henderson serving as skipper for the London side.
