Virgil van Dijk has offered his thoughts on Dominik Szoboszlai‘s potential as a future Liverpool captain, while transfer links persist for Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
Virgil van Dijk hopes Dominik Szoboszlai will be very important for years to come
Szoboszlai’s leadership qualities have been readily discussed this season after leading by example in what has been a tough season collectively for Liverpool.
With Van Dijk, sadly, nearing the end of his reign as captain of the club, the natural discourse leans towards who could succeed him when the time comes.
The Dutchman was asked about the Hungarian inheriting the armband, and he told reporters: “Is he a future captain? 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.
LEEDS, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 6, 2025: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates with his team-mates Hugo Ekitike and captain Virgil van Dijk after scoring his team's third goal during the FA Premier League match between Leeds United FC and Liverpool FC at Elland Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“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.”
For that to be a possibility, however, Szoboszlai will need to extend his contract beyond 2028, and talks are ongoing on that matter. Don’t drag your feet, Richard. Get to it!
LFC News: 19-man squad trains, Yan Diomande transfer links & Jeremie Frimpong still sidelined
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 28, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong walks off the pitch with an injury during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Qaraba? FK at Anfield. Liverpool won 6-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Liverpool were back in training on Wednesday morning and 19 players were involved in the session, including just 16 outfielders – we really can’t take any more injuries!
• RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is expected to be pursued by Liverpool, with reports claiming the club “look ready to join the race.” The price has to be right, but he could be the succession plan for the right wing
• Arne Slot will speak to the press on Thursday morning, but Jeremie Frimpong is expected to miss out as he continues to recover from a groin injury – he’s yet to even return to training
• A possible opponent for the last 16 of the Champions League emerged on Tuesday night as Galatasaray beat Juventus 5-2 in the first leg. The result of Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge will also be of interest on Wednesday evening – who would you prefer?
How Liverpool fixed their set-piece problem
Liverpool have had a noticeable improvement in their set-piece record since Aaron Briggs’ exit, and Sam Millne has taken a look at why that has been the case:
“Liverpool were averaging 2.4 goals scored per 100 set-pieces in the league. Only Brentford had a worse average, but the contrast from 2025 to 2026 has been stark.
“The Reds have scored from eight set-plays since January 1, the same number they managed in the entirety of the season’s first four-and-a-half months.
“In fact, Slot’s side have scored from three corners in their last four league games. Before that, they had scored one in 22 league matches.”
Football News: Rafa Benitez sack looms, Nick Woltemade ‘unhappy’ & UEFA launch investigation
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 31, 2026: Newcastle United's Nick Woltemade during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Benfica have claimed there’s a “defamation campaign” against Gianluca Prestianni after UEFA launched an investigation into alleged racial abuse – try having a bit of class and respect…(SL Benfica)
• Rafa Benitez is reportedly one game away from being sacked at Panathinaikos after 13 wins from 25 games so far – his former player Igor Biscan has been lined up as a replacement!
• Bukayo Saka has signed a new five-year deal worth more than £300,000 a week, even though it feels like he just signed one – a lot of money for a young player who struggles with injury! (BBC)
• Nick Woltemade is reportedly unhappy at Newcastle and the club would be willing to sell at the right price – understandable after being squeezed out for a goalless Anthony Gordon (talkSport)
Liverpool FC History: Biggest league victory
John McKenna, Liverpool Vice-Chairman (EMPICS/EMPICS Sport)
On this day in 1896, Liverpool recorded their biggest-ever league win after beating Rotherham Town 10-1 at Anfield in a Second Division clash – it was 6-0 at half time.
George Allan scored four and Malcolm McVean notched a hat-trick, while Jimmy Ross scored a brace and Frank Becton was also on the scoresheet.
The resounding win was watched by only 2,000 supporters for a match that remains the club’s biggest league win in history.
Liverpool have come close to surpassing the result with two 9-0 victories in the league, but it has stood the test of time.
It begs the question, will it ever be surpassed?