Leading by Example: Van Dijk Lauds Szoboszlai’s Emergence as Liverpool’s Next Potential Captain

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has singled out Dominik Szoboszlai as the player most likely to shepherd the club into its next leadership era, praising the Hungarian midfielder for “leading by example” throughout a turbulent season at Anfield.

Speaking after Szoboszlai reached double-digit goals for the first time in English football—his milestone strike coming in the recent victory over Brighton—Van Dijk offered a measured but glowing endorsement of the 23-year-old’s influence inside Arne Slot’s evolving squad.

“He has been very good,” Van Dijk said. “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.”

The Dutch defender stopped short of predicting a formal promotion to the captaincy, adding, “That’s all on the manager I think. I don’t know. Yeah.” Yet his comments underscore a growing belief that Szoboszlai’s combination of reliability, versatility and vocal presence positions him as a natural successor when the current leadership core—vice-captain Andy Robertson among them—edges toward transition.

Szoboszlai’s willingness to adapt has accelerated that perception. Asked to deputise at right-back during an injury crisis, the £60 million arrival from RB Leipzig accepted the unfamiliar brief without compromising his attacking output. Beyond the 10 goals, his capacity to dictate Liverpool’s tempo has remained constant whether deployed centrally or in wider areas, a trait Van Dijk values as the side continues to absorb Slot’s tactical recalibrations.

Team-mate Mohamed Salah elevated the praise further, branding Szoboszlai “one of the best players in the world right now” after the Brighton win. The Egyptian’s assessment mirrors dressing-room sentiment that the midfielder’s influence now extends well beyond statistics.

Off the pitch, Liverpool are attempting to secure that influence long-term. Szoboszlai still operates on the contract signed in 2023, but negotiations over an extension have gathered pace amid external links to Real Madrid. Agent Matyas Esterhazy has attempted to quell exit rumours, insisting they are “not looking outside or elsewhere,” a reassurance that will encourage supporters eager to see continuity following last season’s Premier League triumph.

Van Dijk, contracted as both player and captain, believes the next phase of Liverpool’s hierarchy is already taking shape. “Everything around it—there is still progress to be made and that’s a good thing in my opinion,” he noted. “Hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool.”

As Slot’s squad negotiates the closing stretch of the campaign, Szoboszlai’s leadership arc will be monitored less through goal tallies than through the quieter markers of authority: positioning instructions barked across the pitch, calming touches in frantic moments, and the kind of relentless application that, according to Van Dijk, has already made him an example to follow.

Should those traits continue to crystallise, Liverpool may find their next on-field commander already woven into the fabric of the present side.