Virgil van Dijk sends clear message to Liverpool bosses over club's next captain
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Virgil van Dijk Backs Dominik Szoboszlai as Next Liverpool Captain
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed strong support for midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to eventually succeed him as club captain, though he emphasized that the final decision rests with manager Arne Slot.
Van Dijk praised Szoboszlai's performances this season, describing him as Liverpool's most consistent player during a challenging campaign. The 25-year-old Hungarian has been a standout performer, scoring 10 goals and establishing himself as a driving force for the team despite being asked to play multiple positions, including right-back.
"Obviously he has been very good," Van Dijk said of his potential successor. "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."
Van Dijk noted that while Szoboszlai has demonstrated leadership qualities through his performances on the pitch, there remains room for growth in other areas of his captaincy potential. The current skipper believes the Hungarian midfielder has the qualities needed to wear the armband in the future.
The comments come amid transfer speculation linking Szoboszlai with Real Madrid, though his agent has stated there is no intention to leave Liverpool. Van Dijk's endorsement suggests the club is confident in retaining the midfielder and building future leadership around him.
Van Dijk has captained Liverpool since 2023, but his age means the club is beginning to consider long-term succession plans for the role.