Virgil van Dijk Backs Dominik Szoboszlai as Future Liverpool Leader

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has endorsed midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai as a potential future captain, praising his leadership qualities and consistent performances during a challenging season for the club.[1][2][3]

Szoboszlai, 25, has been Liverpool's standout player amid an underwhelming campaign where the defending Premier League champions sit sixth, 15-17 points behind leaders Arsenal.[1][3][6] The Hungarian international, who joined from RB Leipzig for £60 million in summer 2023, has scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists in 35 games across all competitions—surpassing his previous best at the club and nearing his career-high of 12 goals from Red Bull Salzburg in 2019/20.[1][3][5] He has shown versatility by filling in at right-back and earned high praise from Mohamed Salah, who called him "one of the best players in the world right now" after a goal in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton.[1][5][6]

Van Dijk, who has worn the armband since 2023, responded to questions about Szoboszlai succeeding him: "That's all on the manager I think... 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... hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool."[1][2][4]

Manager Arne Slot also views Szoboszlai as a potential captain.[1] Talks continue for a new contract as his current deal, expiring in 2028, nears its final two years; his agent dismissed Real Madrid links, affirming commitment to Liverpool.[1][2][3] With vice-captain Andy Robertson's contract ending this season, succession planning is timely—Szoboszlai already captains Hungary.[4][6]

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