Many Liverpool fans may have been surprised to see Kostas Tsimikas wearing the captain’s armband against LASK in the Champions League, especially with experienced goalkeeper Alisson Becker also in the starting XI. But the decision was not a random one, and it certainly does not mean the Brazilian goalkeeper is no longer an important leader at Anfield.
Instead, the explanation comes down to Liverpool’s leadership hierarchy, the heavily rotated starting lineup and the experience available among the players selected for the match.
Virgil van Dijk remains Liverpool’s established captain, but after picking up a calf knock during the disappointing 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, the Dutch defender was named among the substitutes for the trip to LASK. With the Reds managing their squad ahead of a demanding run of fixtures, the decision to rest their captain created an opportunity for another experienced player to take responsibility.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez are among Van Dijk’s recognised deputies, while Alexis Mac Allister is also regarded as part of the club’s leadership group.
However, with Liverpool making several changes to their starting XI, the armband ultimately went to Tsimikas.
🔴 WHY TSIMIKAS WAS CHOSEN OVER ALISSON
One of the biggest talking points was why Alisson, a senior figure who has played a crucial role in Liverpool’s success over the years, was not given the captaincy.
The answer appears to lie in the practical demands of the goalkeeper’s position and the composition of the starting team.
Although goalkeepers can certainly be captains, their responsibilities are different from those of outfield players. Alisson spends most of the match organising his defence from behind, concentrating on positioning, communication with defenders and protecting the goal.
An outfield captain, meanwhile, can communicate with teammates across different areas of the pitch, approach the referee during incidents and help organise the team while play develops further up the field.
That does not mean Alisson lacks leadership qualities. His experience, composure and importance to the squad remain unquestionable. Rather, Liverpool’s decision reflects how the club approached captaincy for this particular match.
⚡ TSIMIKAS’ EXPERIENCE PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE
Tsimikas might not be one of the players usually mentioned first when Liverpool’s leadership group is discussed, but the Greek international has earned considerable experience since joining the club in 2020.
Having made well over 100 appearances for Liverpool, the left-back is far from an inexperienced member of the squad. He has been part of the dressing room through different campaigns, understands the expectations at Anfield and has experienced the pressure that comes with representing the club in major competitions.
He has also worn the captain’s armband during pre-season, meaning the responsibility is not entirely new to him.
With younger players such as Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha featuring in a rotated lineup, having a senior professional wearing the armband offered an additional source of experience on the pitch.
Tsimikas may not always be the first name on the team sheet, but his years at the club have given him an understanding of Liverpool’s standards, culture and expectations.
And that experience matters, particularly when a manager makes several changes for a European away fixture.
🔴 WHY LIVERPOOL NEEDED LEADERSHIP AGAINST LASK
The match came at an important moment for Liverpool.
Following their painful 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, the Reds needed a positive response in the Champions League. The result against City had increased the pressure on the team, making the trip to Austria an opportunity to regain confidence and show signs of improvement.
At the same time, Liverpool had to consider the physical demands of their packed schedule.
Van Dijk was rested among the substitutes, while several other regular starters were also left out of the starting lineup. That created a different dynamic within the team, with players who might not normally lead the side being asked to take on greater responsibility.
Tsimikas was a logical choice because he combined seniority with a starting position on the pitch.
The Greek defender could focus on his own performance at left-back while also helping maintain organisation and communication among his teammates.
For Liverpool, the decision was about finding the right person to lead the players available on the night rather than simply handing the armband to the most famous or influential name in the lineup.
👀 DOES THIS MEAN ALISSON HAS LOST HIS PLACE IN LIVERPOOL’S LEADERSHIP HIERARCHY?
Absolutely not.
There is no indication from this decision alone that Alisson has lost the trust of the coaching staff or fallen down Liverpool’s internal hierarchy.
The Brazilian remains one of the team’s most experienced players and has repeatedly demonstrated his importance through his performances between the posts.
Leadership is not determined solely by who wears the armband. Senior players can influence their teammates through their communication, professionalism, experience and performances without being the official captain.
Alisson can continue to provide that influence even when another player is selected to lead the side on the pitch.
Likewise, Tsimikas receiving the armband does not automatically make him a permanent member of Liverpool’s captaincy group. It simply reflects the circumstances surrounding this particular fixture.
THE FINAL VERDICT
Liverpool’s decision to appoint Kostas Tsimikas as captain against LASK was primarily a product of squad rotation and the available leadership options.
With Van Dijk rested, other senior players occupying different roles and a number of younger footballers included in the lineup, Tsimikas offered experience, continuity and familiarity with the club.
Alisson’s omission from the captaincy should therefore not be interpreted as a snub or a sign of declining importance.
Instead, the decision highlights an important point: leadership at Liverpool extends beyond the usual captains, and even players who are not permanent members of the leadership group can be trusted with responsibility when the situation demands it.
Now, Liverpool fans will hope the Reds can turn that experience into consistent performances as they look to put the Manchester City disappointment behind them and build momentum in Europe. 🔴💪
What do you think, Liverpool fans? Should Alisson have been captain against LASK, or was Kostas Tsimikas the right choice?
👇 DROP YOUR OPINION IN THE COMMENTS!
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