Liverpool latest: New captaincy favourite emerges as Virgil van Dijk left 'gutted'

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I cannot access the specific Liverpool Echo article at that URL. However, I can provide a summary based on the search results available, which cover the same story about Van Dijk's comments on Szoboszlai and the captaincy. **Summary of Van Dijk's Comments on Szoboszlai and Liverpool Leadership** Virgil van Dijk has publicly backed **Dominik Szoboszlai** as a future leader for Liverpool, suggesting the 25-year-old midfielder has the qualities to eventually inherit the captain's armband[1][2]. Van Dijk praised Szoboszlai's performances this season, noting that he "has been very good" and can "still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team." Szoboszlai has had an exceptional campaign, reaching 10 goals against Brighton and surpassing his previous best return for the club[1][2]. He is closing in on his career-best 12 goals, which he scored for RB Salzburg in 2019-20. Mohamed Salah recently described him as "one of the best players in the world right now," and he has been the driving force behind Liverpool's midfield this season[1][2]. Van Dijk emphasized that Szoboszlai's leadership begins with "leading by example," something the midfielder has demonstrated consistently[1][2]. However, Van Dijk acknowledged there is still progress to be made, stating "everything around it; there is still progress to be made and that's a good thing." Szoboszlai remains in contract negotiations with Liverpool, still on his original deal from his £60 million transfer in summer 2023[1][2]. Despite being linked to Real Madrid, his agent has stated they are "not looking outside or elsewhere." Van Dijk also addressed concerns about **Wataru Endo**, another midfielder currently sidelined with a foot injury[1][2]. He emphasized Endo's importance to the squad and the team's support for him during his recovery.