Dominik Szoboszlai was initially pitched as the fall guy for Liverpool’s £116 million signing Florian Wirtz, but his advice for the No. 7 has seen them thrive together.
Szoboszlai was left out of many supporters’ ideal XIs heading into the new campaign, but there will be few if any who omit the Hungarian now.
Now in his third season at Liverpool he is being spoken of as a future captain and Virgil van Dijk is the only player to clock more minutes on the pitch.
Van Dijk has already backed Szoboszlai as a potential successor to the armband and said “it starts by leading by example.”
That has shown with the Times‘ Paul Joyce reporting how the No. 8 played a key role in helping Wirtz settle into the team during a difficult transition from the Bundesliga.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz (L) and Dominik Szoboszlai line-up before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United FC at Anfield. The game ended in a goal-less draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Joyce wrote that Szoboszlai “offered reassurance to Wirtz during the 22-year-old’s first months at the club and stressed that the difficulties he was experiencing were normal.”
“Szoboszlai remembered his own first season and how he had run more than he ever did in the German Bundesliga, that there were more duels and less time on the ball,” he explained.
“He relayed all that to Wirtz and stressed he would soon find his rhythm.”
Wirtz has clearly found his rhythm now – with six goals and two assists in his last 13 games – and that it is alongside Szoboszlai is a testament to the Hungary captain’s selflessness and commitment to the cause.
According to Joyce, Szoboszlai is one of the first to report to the AXA Training Centre every day along with close friends Mohamed Salah and Milos Kerkez.
How Dominik Szoboszlai is “leading by example”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, December 8, 2025: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (L) and Dominik Szoboszlai during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
The midfielder is also joined “a couple of times a week” by Salah, Wirtz and Cody Gakpo to follow their usual sessions on the outdoor pitch with extra work on free-kicks with Freddie Woodman standing between the posts.
There are seemingly countless examples of Szoboszlai leading by example and that, combined with his world-class form, will make tying him down to a new contract one of Liverpool’s biggest priorities.
Liverpool are in ongoing talks with his agent Matyas Esterhazy and the hope is that a new long-term deal will be agreed in the near future.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 8, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Esterhazy recently dismissed links with Real Madrid while Szoboszlai himself said: “I would love to [stay].
“I like the city, I like the club, I like playing with these guys, I love Anfield, I love the fans, let’s see what the future holds.
“Let’s see what happens, hopefully everyone will be happy at the end.
“It’s not in my hands. There is no progression, but if the right offer comes, then let’s see.”
The Big Debate
Is Dominik Szoboszlai the next Liverpool captain?
Virgil van Dijk has officially backed Dominik Szoboszlai as a future Liverpool leader, praising the midfielder for “leading by example” during a challenging campaign. As vice-captain Andy Robertson faces an uncertain future, is it time to fast-track Szoboszlai into the leadership group?
Have your say: Does the Hungarian have the presence to succeed Van Dijk, or should the armband stay with the more senior guard? Let us know in the comments!