Dominik Szoboszlai has stated that he must earn any increase in seniority at Liverpool, as new manager Andoni Iraola begins evaluating candidates for the vice-captaincy. The Hungary captain, who enters his fourth season at Anfield, is considered a potential deputy to club captain Virgil van Dijk following Andy Robertson's departure.
Szoboszlai Defers to Van Dijk's Leadership
In an interview with France Football, Szoboszlai, 25, emphasized that respecting the pecking order comes naturally. "Actually it's simpler than it looks. It happens quite naturally. Everyone realises that Virgil is the leader period. It's a matter of intelligence and maturity, and in that regard, Liverpool has an exceptional squad," he said.
Despite being Hungary's national team captain, Szoboszlai acknowledges Van Dijk's authority. He added: "If [a step up to the leadership group] is going to happen, it can only come with time. There's a process involved; it's not something you can just demand."
Earning the Role Through Performance
Szoboszlai stressed that leadership must be earned on the pitch. "You have to earn it, and that starts on the pitch - with excellence, consistency, and impeccable conduct. Only then do you start guiding other players, especially the new ones. That's when the question of leadership legitimacy arises - never before."
He also noted the depth of leadership within the squad: "And even with all those factors in place, there's no guarantee you'll become captain, because beyond Virgil, there are easily eight or nine other leaders."
Inspired by Ronaldo's Mentality
Szoboszlai revealed that his only idol growing up was Cristiano Ronaldo, not for his playing style but his mentality. "No, it's true [I had no role models growing up]. But I did have an idol: Cristiano Ronaldo. Not because of his playing style, but because of his mentality - his unique work ethic. I read his book when I was young and watched videos of his training routines, that's what inspired me about him - far more than the way he played."
He added: "But I didn't have any role models in terms of playing style. Honestly. I wanted to be myself right from the start - nobody else. Because I realised very early on that there would only ever be one Zinédine Zidane, one Steven Gerrard, one Paul Pogba, one Lionel Messi, one Cristiano Ronaldo. You can't be the next one. You know the saying: 'Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.'"
Pre-Season Under Iraola Begins
Szoboszlai is set to report for pre-season training on Tuesday as Liverpool begins their summer schedule under Iraola, who signed a two-year deal last month to succeed Arne Slot. Iraola's first tasks include appointing a vice-captain to replace Robertson, with Szoboszlai among the candidates.
