Virgil van Dijk believes Dominik Szoboszlai can become a future Liverpool captain.
Szoboszlai remains an undisputed standout performer for the reigning Premier League champions as they continue to endure an uncharacteristic run of form.
The Hungary international has contributed a combined 17 goals and assists in his 24 appearances to date for the Reds while also regularly deputising at right-back.
His performances for Arne Slot’s side have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid the latest to emerge as potential suitors for Szoboszlai’s services in the near future.
But despite admitting that his long-term future at Anfield remains uncertain, Van Dijk feels that Szoboszlai has the capabilities to succeed him in a key leadership role.
He said: “Obviously he has been very good.
“Also [he is] 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.
“Hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool.”
Asked whether the 25-year-old could take over the armband, Van Djik replied: “That’s all on the manager I think. I don’t know. Yeah.”
The Liverpool captain also revealed the dressing room is rallying around Wataru Endo as the midfielder awaits the results of a potential season-ending foot injury.
Endo was stretchered off in last Wednesday’s win at Sunderland after his foot became planted in the turf with Slot braced for him to be out for a ‘long, long time’.
“I had a similar injury when I was at Southampton, a foot injury, and it’s not an easy one to take,” added Van Dijk.
“But we are here for him, we are going to be together with him all the way and support him with everything he needs.
“It’s not great, he is such an important and respected members of the team. He’s one of the leaders and he always leads by example as well.
“On the pitch he gives everything and you saw that in the [Sunderland] game. 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.”