Van Dijk Endorses Szoboszlai for Liverpool Captaincy Role
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has publicly endorsed midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai as a potential future leader of the club, despite both players facing contract uncertainties. The Dutch defender, who has worn the armband since 2023, highlighted Szoboszlai's development and leadership potential in recent comments.
Leadership Praise Amid Contract Questions
Van Dijk, with 18 months remaining on his Liverpool contract, pointed to Szoboszlai's impressive performances this season as evidence of his captaincy credentials. "Obviously he has been very good," Van Dijk stated. "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."
The defender acknowledged there is still room for growth, adding: "But also everything around it; there is still progress to be made and that's a good thing in my opinion so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool."
Szoboszlai's Future Remains Unclear
These comments come at a time when Szoboszlai's own Liverpool future is subject to speculation. The Hungarian international has two years left on his contract, and his national team manager Marco Rossi has revealed Real Madrid has long been the player's dream destination.
Rossi explained: "Because of the very close and direct relationship I have with Dominik Szoboszlai since he started playing football as a child, Real Madrid has always been his dream. I don't know if he'll be able to take that step, because the decision depends on him and also on his club."
However, Rossi didn't rule out a contract extension at Anfield, noting: "I absolutely don't rule out the possibility of him staying at Liverpool and renewing his contract there, especially because he's highly valued within the club."
Agent Provides Perspective on Transfer Rumours
Szoboszlai's agent, Matyas Esterhazy, addressed the ongoing transfer talk in an interview with Hungarian publication NB1. He suggested that speculation is natural given the midfielder's excellent form but emphasized current focus remains on Liverpool.
"It's completely normal for the public, when Dominik is performing like this, to talk about what's next and if there's something higher," Esterhazy said. "So at the moment to talk about what will happen in the summer in my opinion is not correct. Not to mention, Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and Dominik is in a position within the team that has a lot of reserve, so we are not looking outside or elsewhere."
Szoboszlai's Impact Since Arrival
Since joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2023, Szoboszlai has established himself as a key player, scoring 25 goals in 129 appearances across all competitions. This season alone he has netted ten times, emerging as one of the team's standout performers.
Van Dijk's endorsement adds significant weight to Szoboszlai's leadership prospects, creating an intriguing subplot as Liverpool potentially plan for captaincy succession while navigating contract negotiations with both players.
