Van Dijk Supports Dominik Szoboszlai as Liverpool Leader in the Future

JAKARTA - Virgil van Dijk believes midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has all the qualities to one day replace him as Liverpool captain after leading by example this season.

Szoboszlai has been the team's most consistent player in a so far less than satisfactory campaign with ups and downs despite being asked to play a number of different roles, most notably as a right back.

The 25-year-old - who was hailed by Mohamed Salah last weekend as one of the best players in the world right now - reached 10 goals this season against Brighton. He has surpassed his best record for the club.

He almost reached his best career record with 12 goals scored for RB Salzburg in 2019/2020. However, it is not only goals that make him stand out this season, but also he has become the main driving force of the team.

"I think it all depends on the manager. I don't know. Yes (Szoboszlai will inherit the captain's armband)," Van Dijk said when asked if Szoboszlai could eventually inherit the captain's armband.

"Obviously he's very good, also a player who I think can still go further in terms of being a leader for this team."

"It starts with leading by example and that's what he's done so far this season. But also all the things around it, there's still progress to be made."

"That is a good thing in my opinion. So, hopefully he will be very important for the coming years at Liverpool," said the Dutch player.

Talks continue regarding a new contract for Szoboszlai, who is still under the original contract he signed after his £60m move in the summer of 2023.

Negotiations to extend the contract must be carried out by the Reds considering the Hungarian player has been linked with Real Madrid.

However, his agent, Matyas Esterhazy, said this week that they were not looking for players from outside or elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Andy Robertson, who will turn 32 next month, is actually the vice-captain. However, his contract will expire in the summer and his future is still in doubt.

No wonder if Van Dijk is starting to look for his successor.

Apart from that, Liverpool are still waiting for a final diagnosis of the foot injury suffered by Wataru Endo, another midfielder asked to play as a right back due to ongoing problems.

The Japanese player has been a reserve player this season - appearing just 12 times, mostly as a substitute - but Van Dijk insists that should not underestimate his influence on the squad.

"This is not good news. He is a very important and respected team member. He is one of the leaders and he always leads by example."

"On the field, he gives everything. It's a big blow, but we have to deal with it, we will. Hopefully it won't be too long, but it looks like it will take quite a while."

"However, we are here for him, we will be with him all the way and support him with everything he needs," said Van Dijk.