Van Dijk Tips Szoboszlai to Succeed Him as Liverpool Captain

Dominik Szoboszlai impresses at Liverpool

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk praises Dominik Szoboszlai's leadership potential, saying he could succeed him as captain.

“It's not great, he is such an important and respected member of the team, he's one of the leaders...”

Virgil van Dijk thinks Dominik Szoboszlai has what it takes to lead Liverpool one day. The Liverpool captain praised Szoboszlai's versatility and leadership skills, saying he's capable of being a leader for the team.

Szoboszlai's been killing it for Liverpool, playing in different positions, including right-back, and Van Dijk reckons he's got the potential to take on a bigger role. 

Mo Salah just gave Szoboszlai major props, calling him “one of the best players in the world right now.” The Hungarian midfielder has been ballin' for Liverpool, scoring 10 goals this season in the FA Cup win against Brighton.

©️🏀 pic.twitter.com/5LQPXpwfOi

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 18, 2026

Szoboszlai's numbers are looking fire, and he's on track to beat his best goal tally for Salzburg in 2019/20, when he scored 12 goals. Liverpool fans are loving his all-round play, and it's paying off big time.

Andy Robertson's contract situation is up in the air, and there's speculation about Liverpool's future plans for the 32-year-old left-back. Meanwhile, Van Dijk thinks Szoboszlai's got leadership potential: “That's all on the manager (Arne Slot) I think. I don't know. Yeah,” when asked if Szoboszlai could take over as captain.

"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,” said Van Dijk.

“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.”

Liverpool's struggling, 17 points behind Arsenal in sixth place, and now they're dealing with Wataru Endo's foot injury. The midfielder's been playing out of position at right-back due to team issues, and now they're waiting on a diagnosis.

Endo's only made 12 appearances, mostly as a sub, but Van Dijk says he's more influential than the numbers show.

“It's not great, 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,” said the Dutchman.

“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.”