Dominik Szoboszlai is tipped to take over from Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool captain when the time comes, but there are a few reasons why that isn’t the perfect replacement many believe it to be.
It was on full show against Everton, as Liverpool produced late heroics to win the Merseyside derby. Those heroics came from the man with the armband.
Van Dijk popped up with yet another decisive moment to rescue his team, and the leadership he showed before, during, and after this derby win show exactly why he’s still far and away the best option to be leading Arne Slot’s side.
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Why Virgil van Dijk is still the perfect Liverpool captain
It’s yet another massive goal from the Dutchman, who so often emerges as the hero of this side. Van Dijk made Premier League history with Liverpool’s sixth injury-time winner over their Merseyside rivals — the most of any fixture.
But it wasn’t just what he did on the pitch. After the game, Van Dijk gave an interview to Sky Sports where his quality as a leader was clear to see.
He said: “That’s an understatement to say it’s been a tough season. We’ve been very poor, what we are used to and should expect from Liverpool.
“We have five games left, we have to give it everything, at least qualify for Champions League. Next year we have to do much better in every sense. That’s the reality.”
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It’s the kind of accountability fans want to see from their players, and it’s something the centre-back does well and often. Even when you can see the disgust on his face after bad results, he is the voice of the club.
It cannot be understated how much of a loss his maturity and experience will be when he does leave Anfield.
As teammate Alisson Becker said (via Liverpoolfc.com): “He gives a lot of confidence for the team and the players. When you have Virgil van Dijk – the giant – on the pitch, maybe it scares the opposition. For me, he is special… Virgil has something special, he is the big man.”
Fortunately, that won’t be for another season at least.
Dominik Szoboszlai would be a big step down from Van Dijk
As we mentioned, Szoboszlai is tipped to succeed Van Dijk as Liverpool captain eventually, and the Hungarian certainly has qualities that make him a strong choice.
But in a similar way to Mo Salah’s exit and Alisson’s succession plan, some players are just irreplaceable.
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Virgil van Dijk and Curtis Jones celebrate after Van Dijk scores during Liverpool's Premier League match against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium (Credit Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
Szoboszlai has shown immaturity at times with the fans and with some of his comments — something you don’t really see from Van Dijk.
The Dutchman’s standing in the game, paired with his presence on the pitch, makes for a leader of the highest class. No matter how much you rate Szoboszlai in that regard, it’s undeniable that there will be a drop-off when that change occurs.
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