**James Pearce has dropped a significant claim about who Liverpool’s next permanent captain could be once Virgil van Dijk has left the club.**
Van Dijk has been a great skipper for the Reds since succeeding Jordan Henderson in 2023, leading his side to the Premier League title last season.
At 34, the Dutchman won’t be around forever, though, meaning Arne Slot, or whoever is in charge at that point, will have to consider who Liverpool’s next captain could be further down the line.
According to Pearce and Gregg Evans for [_The Athletic_](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6893422/2025/12/17/liverpool-dressing-room-leaders/), Dominik Szoboszlai looks like a leading contender to be the Reds’ skipper after Van Dijk, rather than the likes of Mohamed Salah and vice-captain Andy Robertson:
_“Salah, 33, the second-oldest player in the squad behind the 34-year-old captain, is also vocal but has been more of a performance-based leader over the years. That’s a role Dominik Szoboszlai has taken up in recent times, too. Already the Hungary national-team skipper, he looks like a Liverpool captain in waiting, largely because of his on-field presence, versatility and availability._
_“Szoboszlai has an aura that sets him apart and mixes well with different characters within the group: he is one of the few players who can be considered a close friend of Salah, for example. Although he’s not as eloquent or public-facing as Van Dijk, he is able to handle pressure and step up when required.”_
**Is Szoboszlai Liverpool’s natural next captain?**
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There is plenty of sense in making Szoboszlai Liverpool’s skipper after Van Dijk, with the 25-year-old growing in stature this season, standing out as the Reds’ best player.
He is already Hungary’s captain, as Pearce and Evans allude to – [Arne Slot](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15052579/Arne-Slot-Dominik-Szoboszlai-Liverpool-Arsenal-Anfield.html) has also hailed his “magic” in the recent past – and his age means that he represents the strongest long-term option, with Salah and Robertson now into their 30s.
Alexis Mac Allister possesses leadership skills, but has struggled for form this season and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, and there aren’t many others who stand out.
Alisson is another potential choice, but the 33-year-old may also not be at Liverpool for too much longer, so assuming he stays, Szoboszlai is the leading current option.