Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has praised his teammate, Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, believing he possesses all the qualities to become "a leader for this team" in the future. This praise comes amidst the club's current transitional season, which has seen Szoboszlai emerge as one of its standout players since joining in the summer of 2013.
Context and background of the deal: Rebuilding the midfield
Szoboszlai joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig for a fee of around €70 million as part of a major midfield overhaul. This move followed the departures of several experienced players, including Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and James Milner. The aim was to inject new blood and revitalize the squad, a task Szoboszlai accomplished brilliantly, quickly adapting to the demands of the Premier League and becoming a key player for the team.
Immediate impact and leadership personality
From his very first season, Szoboszlai (25 years old) emerged as one of Liverpool's best players, delivering outstanding performances thanks to his exceptional technical abilities, powerful shots, and tireless work rate on the pitch. His role wasn't limited to playmaking and scoring goals; he also demonstrated remarkable tactical flexibility when forced to fill in at right-back in some matches due to the team's injury crisis. The player received widespread praise from his teammates, most notably Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, who previously described him as "one of the best players in the world right now.".
The importance of praise and its future impact
Van Dijk's comments carry particular weight coming from the current captain and one of the most influential players in the dressing room. He said: “Obviously, he’s been very good. I think he’s capable of taking the next step and becoming a leader for this team. Leadership starts with setting an example, which he’s done this season.” He added: “Everything around that needs further development, and that’s a good thing, in my opinion. Hopefully, he’ll be an important player for Liverpool for years to come.”.
These statements come at a time of uncertainty surrounding the future of the team's second captaincy. Scottish full-back Andy Robertson currently holds the position, but his contract is nearing its end. With Dutch coach Arne Slot taking over, the leadership structure may change, and Szoboszlai, who captains his native Hungary, appears poised to play a more prominent role in the club's future, both domestically and in Europe.
