Virgil van Dijk has been Liverpool captain since 2023 and has given his support to Dominik Szoboszlai to be a contender for the role in the future
Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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Virgil van Dijk has voiced his support for Dominik Szoboszlai to be a contender for Liverpool’s next captain. Van Dijk was awarded the armband at Anfield in the summer of 2023 following Jordan Henderson’s exit, and has already won two trophies since being named as the club’s captain, including the Premier League title.
Last season saw Van Dijk’s future become the subject of speculation as his contract was on the verge of expiring, before the Netherlands international went on to commit his future to the club until the summer of 2027.
Van Dijk has been an ever-present member of the Liverpool starting line-up in the Premier League this season, while Szoboszlai has also been an integral part of Arne Slot’s team.
Szoboszlai has been used in midfield, right-back and in the forward line this season, and already has 10 goals and seven assists to his name across all competitions.
With Szoboszlai’s future being the subject of speculation in recent weeks, Van Dijk has now explained why the Hungary international would be a good candidate to be his successor in wearing the armband for Liverpool.
"Obviously he [Szoboszlai] 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," Van Dijk said.
"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."
Szoboszlai has seen his future become the subject of speculation in recent days, with Real Madrid reportedly mentioned as a potential destination for the 25-year-old.
However, Szboszlai’s agent, Matyas Esterhazy, has dismissed the rumours linking the player with a move away from Liverpool.
"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," Esterhazy told Hungary news outlet NB1.
"For us it's not a topic. We are mid-season; he has a lot of work ahead of him in the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League. He has said many times how important this competition is for him.
"So at the moment to talk about what will happen in the summer in my opinion is not correct."
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