Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai has been one of the few shining stars in an otherwise subpar side this season.
The Hungarian has played as an attacking midfielder and a defensive midfielder, and even filled in at right-back to help the team.
This season, he’s become the heartbeat of the team in a tough situation.
With Virgil Van Dijk not getting any younger, questions have arisen as to who will take over from the Dutch international.
And judging by his exploits at Anfield so far, Szoboszlai has all the attributes to be the next skipper at the club.
Before Liverpool
Before signing for the Reds in 2023, Szoboszlai was a high-impact attacking midfielder for RB Leipzig in Germany.
During the 2021-22 season, the Hungarian recorded six goals and eight assists in 31 Bundesliga games.
The following season, he also recorded six goals and eight assists in 31 league games.
In that last season in Germany, Szoboszlai had 33 goal involvements in 46 games across all competitions.
He won the German Cup in both of those seasons.
Stepping up to Liverpool
Szoboszlai signed for Liverpool in July 2023, joining for £60 million to enhance Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.
Since joining the club, the Hungarian star has played in a deeper role, becoming the true engine at the heart of the midfield.
He has become a natural leader, firstly under Klopp, and then since Arne Slot took over the reins in 2024.
Szoboszlai has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent success.
He contributed six goals and seven assists in their Premier League victory last season.
A born leader
The former Austrian Bundesliga Player of the Year was appointed Hungary’s captain at 22.
In 2024, he became the youngest captain in the history of the European Championships.
He doesn’t just wear the armband for Hungary; he thrives under the pressure of a nation.
Szoboszlai has scored vital goals for his national team, becoming a hero for his exploits.
Leading by example
Szoboszlai has a workhorse mentality and has the tactical flexibility to play anywhere on the pitch to help the team.
With Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley battling injuries and Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving for Real Madrid, Szoboszlai had to fill in.
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He returned to the full back role last weekend against Newcastle United, helping the team win 4-1 in a thrilling game.
The Gerrard factor
Steven Gerrard is arguably Liverpool’s most beloved captain, and like Gerrard, Szoboszlai has that clutch ability.
Szoboszlai can score long-range screamers, create incredible chances, and has the mental toughness needed to captain Liverpool.
Aging leadership group
Van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Alisson Becker, and Mohamed Salah are the current leadership group at Liverpool.
At 31, Robertson is the youngest in that leadership group, but his contract expires at the end of the season.
Liverpool is a team focused on the young players, and a newly refreshed leadership group is imperative for the club’s future.
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Szoboszlai is already a captain and has demonstrated exactly what is needed to become the leader of Liverpool.
The Hungarian is halfway through his contract at the Premier League club.
So, the club must sort out a new deal to keep him around for the long term.