Dominik Szoboszlai is rapidly establishing himself as a pivotal figure at Liverpool, not just for his on-field performances but increasingly as a potential leader within the squad. At 25, the Hungarian midfielder is being groomed as a successor to Virgil van Dijk, with the club and manager Arne Slot recognizing his burgeoning influence.
Szoboszlai’s dedication to his craft is evident in his relentless work ethic. Those close to the team describe him as highly competitive, consistently among the first to arrive at training and leading the club in distance covered this season. Milos Kerkez, a teammate for both Liverpool and the Hungarian national team, playfully suggested Szoboszlai could run from Liverpool to Hungary without tiring, a testament to his exceptional fitness.
His impact extends beyond physical prowess. Szoboszlai has formed a close bond with Mohamed Salah, frequently engaging in off-field activities like backgammon and socializing at each other’s homes. This relationship appears to be mutually beneficial, with Salah’s high standards influencing Szoboszlai’s own pursuit of excellence.
The midfielder’s willingness to defend himself and his actions demonstrates a growing confidence, and assertiveness. Recently, he responded to criticism from Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane regarding a perceived “disrespectful” backheel attempt, privately discussing the incident with Slot. This willingness to engage, even in the face of scrutiny, is a characteristic often associated with leadership.
Szoboszlai’s journey at Liverpool hasn’t been without its challenges. During Jürgen Klopp’s final season, he experienced a dip in form, even finding himself out of the starting lineup at one point. However, he returned determined to prove himself, and has become a consistent presence under Slot, already surpassing his total minutes played from the previous campaign.
Van Dijk acknowledges Szoboszlai’s progress, stating, “Obviously he has been very good [this season]. He’s also a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team. It starts by leading by example and that’s something he has done so far this season.” Van Dijk also noted that further development is needed, particularly in becoming more vocal and assertive in the dressing room, a quality he attributes to his own experience alongside previous Liverpool captains like James Milner and Jordan Henderson.
The potential for Szoboszlai to assume the captaincy is becoming increasingly realistic, particularly with Andy Robertson’s contract expiring at the end of the season and Van Dijk’s deal set to expire in 2027. Slot himself recognizes Szoboszlai’s leadership potential, acknowledging that while he is still young, he already possesses many of the attributes required to become a highly influential player for Liverpool.
Slot elaborated on the areas where Szoboszlai can further develop, stating, “There is still a step to make in terms of leadership, being vocal and a voice in the dressing room if I compare him to Virgil, which is completely normal… But for all the other things, he has a lot to become a very influential player for Liverpool and you could call that a leader.”
Szoboszlai’s personal life has also seen positive developments, becoming a husband and father in 2025, coinciding with a Premier League winning season. This stability appears to be contributing to his on-field success.
Liverpool’s investment in Szoboszlai, signing him from RB Leipzig in 2023, was always viewed as a long-term commitment. Klopp himself stated at the time that it was “a signing for our present and also for our future.” The club remains committed to ensuring that vision is realized, with ongoing discussions regarding a new contract for the midfielder, who is currently operating on his original deal.
As Szoboszlai continues to mature and refine his leadership qualities, he is poised to become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s future, both on and off the pitch. The club’s faith in his potential is clear, and the prospect of him following in the footsteps of legendary Liverpool captains like Gerrard is very much within reach.
