Current club captain says Hungarian already leading by example
Virgil Van Dijk believes Dominik Szoboszlai is already showing he has what it takes to be Liverpool’s captain in future.
The Hungarian has consistently performed for Liverpool this season, keeping them competitive in several games when it looked like they might be struggling with quality. His latest effort was the sublimed one-time strike to double Liverpool’s lead against Brighton in the FA Cup last weekend.
Asked whether Szoboszlai could become the club captain, Van Dijk said: “That’s all on the manager I think. Obviously he has been very good. 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. 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.”
The midfielder’s contract expires in 2028, but Liverpool have already opened contract extension talks with him, with other clubs lurking in the background.
“There have been talks but, for sure, not any decision has been made,” Szoboszlai said last month. “There is always progress but no decision has been made and I’ll just keep on going every week, every training, giving my best for the team, for the fans. Let’s see what is going to happen in the future.
“Of course I am happy here but you know how football works and that is something everybody has to take into account.”
Liverpool’s next fixture is against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, before they face West Ham at Anfield. The club still have injury concerns, with Jeremie Frimpong still out for at least another week and Wataru Endo the latest to be sidelined after his bad fall against Sunderland last week.
“It’s not great,” Van Dijk said. “He is such an important and respected member of the team, he’s one of the leaders and he always leads by example as well.
“On the pitch he gives everything. It’s a big blow but we have to deal with it and we will. Hopefully it’s not going to take too long but it looks like it will be a while.
“But we are here for him, we are going to be together with him all the way and support him with everything he needs.”
