Virgil van Dijk has been the Liverpool captain since Jordan Henderson's departure in 2023, and the Dutchman has already suggested a possible replacement when the time comes for him to hand the armband over
12:59, 20 Feb 2026
Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot in training
Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot in training(Image: 2026 Molly Darlington)
Virgil van Dijk won't be giving up the Liverpool armband any time soon, but when he does, the Reds look to already have his potential successor on the books.
Van Dijk himself suggested that midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai's leadership credentials are developing, after the Hungary international moved onto double figures for goals for the season last weekend. Szoboszlai's thunderous strike contributed to a 3-0 win for Liverpool over Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup, prompting praise from Van Dijk.
"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," Van Dijk said of Szoboszlai.
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"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's blossoming reputation as one of the new leaders in the Liverpool squad also prompted Reds head coach Slot to be asked about the Hungarian's capacity to become a captain of the club one day.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai could be Liverpool's next captain(Image: MI News/NurPhoto)
"Yes, but he’s still young," Slot said when asked about Szoboszlai's captaincy credentials. "I think he has a lot of attributes already, especially when it comes to leading by example.
"But there’s still a step to make in terms of leadership, being vocal, being a voice in the dressing room, if I compare him to Virgil, which is completely normal because Virgil is 34 and has seen probably James Milner or Jordan Henderson and these players.
“So it’s really good for Dominik that he sees Virgil as well. That would be a next step for him, to be as vocal and as loud as Virgil is.
“That comes with time, I think, but for all the other things, he has a lot to become a very influential player for Liverpool and you could call that a leader.”
It will be interesting to see what route Slot goes down when naming Liverpool's new captain – if he is indeed still around when the time comes for Van Dijk to pass the armband over.
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Last summer, when Slot had the task of choosing a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold as vice-captain, Slot initially kept his decision under wraps before later confirming the role had gone to Andy Robertson.
"It is already decided," Slot said in pre-season. "But I’m not telling it here yet who will be the new vice-captain."
Those comments suggest that Slot could already know who he would choose for Liverpool's next captain – Szoboszlai would surely be a strong contender.