Virgil van Dijk endorses Dominik Szoboszlai as a prospective ‘leader’ for Liverpool.
Virgil van Dijk is confident that midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai possesses the necessary attributes to eventually take over as Liverpool captain, having set a strong example this season.
Despite the team’s inconsistent performance in what has been a challenging campaign, Szoboszlai has emerged as the most reliable player, adapting to various positions, notably filling in at right-back.
The 25-year-old, praised 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 exceeding his previous best for the club.
He is nearing his career-high of 12 goals scored for RB Salzburg in the 2019-20 season, but it is not solely his goal tally that has distinguished him this season; he has been a key driving force for the team.
Andy Robertson, who will turn 32 next month, serves as vice-captain but is set to become a free agent in the summer, leaving his future uncertain.
“That’s all on the manager I think. I don’t know. Yeah,” Van Dijk replied when asked if Szoboszlai could eventually take on the captaincy.
“Clearly, he has been performing very well. He is also a player who I believe can still progress further in terms of leadership for this team.
“It begins with leading by example, and that is something he has accomplished so far this season.
“However, there is still room for growth in other areas; I view that as a positive, so I hope he will be crucial for Liverpool in the years ahead.”
Discussions are ongoing regarding a new contract for the midfielder, who remains on the initial agreement he signed following his £60 million transfer in the summer of 2023 and has already attracted interest from Real Madrid.
Nonetheless, his agent Matyas Esterhazy stated this week that they are “not looking outside or elsewhere.”
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Liverpool is still awaiting a definitive diagnosis on the foot injury sustained by Wataru Endo, another midfielder who has been required to play at right-back due to ongoing challenges.
The Japan international has been a peripheral figure this season, making only 12 appearances, mostly as a substitute, but Van Dijk emphasized 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, one of the leaders who consistently leads by example,” Van Dijk remarked.
“On the pitch, he gives his all. It’s a significant setback, but we must cope with it, and we will. Hopefully, it won’t take too long, but it appears it may be a while.
“However, we are here for him; we will stand by him throughout and support him with everything he requires.”
