Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has tipped Dominik Szoboszlai to become the club's next captain, as new head coach Andoni Iraola prepares to make a crucial decision on the vice-captaincy before the Premier League season opener at Newcastle United on August 23.
Szoboszlai signs new long-term contract
Szoboszlai committed his future to Liverpool this week by signing a new contract that extends his stay until 2031. The Hungary national team captain, 25, joined the Reds in 2023 and has quickly become a fan favorite.
By the time his contract ends, it is likely that current captain Virgil van Dijk, 35, will have moved on. Van Dijk, along with Alisson Becker, Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo, is entering the final 12 months of his deal, signaling further transition at Anfield.
James: Szoboszlai has captaincy potential
Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, James said: "He has definitely got the potential to be a future Liverpool captain. I mean, the Virgil van Dijk one is interesting because I was trying to do the maths in my head. I think with Ali and Virgil, they are the only two over 30 at the moment, along with Endo."
James added: "But with regards to Dom, one of my favourite players, of course, many Liverpool fans will have him as their favourite player. Iraola has only signed for a couple of years, and I know Pep (Guardiola) only used to sign a two-year deal and he ended up staying at (Manchester) City for 10 years, didn't he?"
Iraola's system could unlock Szoboszlai's potential
James believes Iraola's high-energy system will suit Szoboszlai better than last season's tactics. "We saw some amazing things from Dom last season, and we also saw him playing in a position which wasn't suited to getting the best out of what he was capable of. And with Iraola's system, it's high energy, but if he is playing in the right place, then you get the best out of that high energy rather than put him in a right-back position, which didn't necessarily suit that."
He concluded: "So I think, again, we will see in a fresh environment with hungry players, and time to recover over the summer. We could see some amazing things from Dom."
Liverpool's summer exodus and vice-captain race
The Reds have lost significant experience this summer, with Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate leaving on free transfers. Robertson, the former vice-captain, joined Tottenham Hotspur, leaving a vacancy that Iraola must fill before the season starts.
Szoboszlai and Alisson are expected to be the leading contenders for the vice-captain role, while Gomez and Alexis Mac Allister are also options. Mac Allister is set to play for Argentina in this weekend's World Cup final.
Szoboszlai ready to step up
After signing his new contract, Szoboszlai made clear his readiness for increased responsibility. "I want to set the example," he said. "I want to be an example also for everyone, as much as I can. When I signed, I said I want to win everything. That didn't change for a little moment either. It stayed the same: I want to win everything that is possible in this country, also let's say the Champions League."
He added: "Is there more responsibility on me now? I think so, yes, even though I am only 25. Mo left, Robbo our vice-captain left, both are club legends, we are going to miss them for sure. Now someone else has to step up and if it's me I'm ready to do it."
