NEW YORK, USA - Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Liverpool's captain Dominik Szoboszlai in the line-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Wrexham AFC at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NEW YORK, USA - Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Liverpool's captain Dominik Szoboszlai in the line-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Wrexham AFC at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Dominik Szoboszlai is eyeing the role as Liverpool’s future captain, with the midfielder insisting ‘nothing is bigger than that’.
The Hungarian was expected to inherit the role as the club’s vice-captain in the wake of Andy Robertson’s exit, but Andoni Iraola opted for three deputies to Virgil van Dijk.
Szoboszlai, Alisson and Joe Gomez will all serve in the role this season, though their responsibilities will differ, with the goalkeeper unable to wear the armband due to new rules.
Liverpool’s No. 8, however, is the only player contracted beyond this season after agreeing a new deal until 2031, making him one of the frontrunners for the armband.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Szoboszlai was asked whether it was his aim to be named Liverpool captain.
“Of course,” he replied. “If they put you as a Liverpool captain, I think it’s nothing bigger than that, and I’m happy to take it.”
The 25-year-old has been the captain of his country since 2022, shortly after his 22nd birthday, and when Van Dijk’s recent praise for his leadership was put to the 25-year-old, he said:
“Well, it’s different when he says it. I don’t have to say it, you know.”
Why Dominik Szoboszlai committed to Liverpool long-term
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpools Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring the third goal during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1.(Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpools Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring the third goal during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1.(Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Szoboszlai’s clashes with supporters last season suggested he may not be ready for the responsibility of the role, and some could perceive it as a gamble from the club if he was to be named Van Dijk’s successor.
There is still plenty of growth for the Hungarian to undertake, though Iraola voiced as early as pre-season that the No. 8 had stepped up.
The head coach insisted that he “definitely has to be one of our leaders looking forward,” and his recent long-term commitment to the club would put him on a pathway for the captaincy.
As for his decision to extend his contract, Szoboszlai said: “I really believe that this club, this team, this manager can achieve so much and be able to compete at the highest level for a very long time and for every competition.
“I really believe it, and I wanted to stay and be here after the last season. That no, this was a failure which we learned from, and now we have to show that it will not happen again.”
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Nottingham Forest FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Víctor Muñoz celebrates on his debut with team-mates Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Kostas Tsimikas after scoring his side's second and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Chelsea FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha is challenged by Chelsea's Malo Gusto (L) during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
szobo nyoni macca iraola
szobo nyoni macca iraola