Dominik Szoboszlai: The Next Liverpool Captain In The Making?

‎Virgil van Dijk thinks midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has what it takes to eventually follow in his footsteps as Liverpool captain, thanks to his example on the pitch this season.

‎Szoboszlai has been one of the team’s most reliable performers in a campaign full of ups and downs, impressing despite being deployed in multiple roles, including a stint at right-back.

‎The 25-year-old, hailed by Mohamed Salah last weekend as “one of the best players in the world right now,” reached 10 goals for the season against Brighton, already surpassing his best return for the club.

‎He is closing his career-best tally of 12 goals, which he set at RB Salzburg in 2019–20, but it’s not just his scoring that has impressed this season he has been the engine driving the team.

‎Meanwhile, vice-captain Andy Robertson, who turns 32 next month, is out of contract this summer, leaving his future with the club uncertain.

‎”That’s all on the manager I think. I don’t know. Yeah,” was Van Dijk’s response when asked whether Szoboszlai could eventually inherit the armband.

‎”Obviously he has been very good. Also, a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team.

‎”It starts by leading by example and that’s something he has done so far this season.

‎”But also everything around it; there is still progress to be made and that’s a good thing in my opinion so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool.”

‎Negotiations are ongoing over a new contract for the midfielder, who remains on the original deal he signed following his £60 million move in the summer of 2023, and has already been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid.

‎However, his agent Matyas Esterhazy said this week they were “not looking outside or elsewhere.”

‎Liverpool is still awaiting a final diagnosis on the foot injury sustained by Wataru Endo, another midfielder who was asked to play at right-back due to ongoing issues.

‎The Japan international has had a peripheral role this season, featuring in just 12 games mostly off the bench but Van Dijk stressed that his impact within the squad should not be underestimated.

‎”It’s not great, he is such an important and respected member of the team, he’s one of the leaders and he always leads by example as well,” Van Dijk said.

‎”On the pitch he gives everything. It’s a big blow but we have to deal with it and we will. Hopefully, it’s not going to take too long but it looks like it will be a while.

‎”But we are here for him, we are going to be together with him all the way and support him with everything he needs.”