Virgil van Dijk believes Dominik Szboszlai could become Liverpool captain despite questions over his future. The Hungarian midfielder has been the Reds’ star performer this season, having already scored ten goals.
Van Dijk has been Liverpool captain since 2023 but with just 18 months remaining on his contract at Anfield, thought is already turning to who could potentially be passed the armband.
And the defender believes that Szoboszlai could be a contender. He said: "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."
Van Dijk’s comments on Szoboszlai come when the midfielder’s own future at Liverpool is up in the air. The former RB Leipzig midfielder has just two years left to run on his contract, while Hungary boss Marco Rossi has suggested that he is keen on a move to Real Madrid.
He said: "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."
Despite those comments, Rossi has suggested that he could still see Szoboszlai committing his future to Liverpool. He added: "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."
Szoboszlai’s agent has also offered his take on the Liverpool man’s future. Speaking to Hungarian publication NB1, Matyas Esterhazy said: "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.
"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 joined Liverpool from German side RB Leipzig in 2023 and he has gone on to score 25 goals in 129 appearances in all competitions.