Despite uncertainty about his own future, Virgil van Dijk has already identified Dominik Szoboszlai as a potential future captain of Liverpool. The Dutch defender, whose contract expires in 18 months, sees leadership qualities in the Hungarian midfielder at a time when another team leader, Mohamed Salah, is being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer. Szoboszlai, who arrived from Leipzig in 2023, has been one of the standout figures for the Reds this season, already scoring ten goals. Van Dijk, captain since 2023, praised his teammate, highlighting his potential. "Obviously, he has been doing very well. He is also a player who, in my opinion, can still take the next step to become a leader for this team," said the former Southampton player. The center-back added that leadership starts by setting an example, something the Hungarian has demonstrated. "It starts with leading by example, and that is something he has done so far this season. But also in everything else… there is still progress to be made, which is good, in my opinion. I hope he will be very important for the coming years at Liverpool," he concluded. Interestingly, these praises come at a time when Szoboszlai's own future is a topic of debate. With only two years left on his contract, Hungary's coach, Marco Rossi, suggested that the midfielder dreams of a transfer to Real Madrid. "Due to the very close and direct relationship I have with Dominik Szoboszlai since he started playing football as a child, Real Madrid has always been his dream," Rossi revealed, adding: "I don't know if he will be able to take that step, because the decision depends on him and also on his club." However, the same Marco Rossi did not rule out the possibility of the player staying at Anfield. "I do not entirely exclude the possibility of him staying at Liverpool and renewing his contract, especially since he is highly valued at the club," he considered. For his part, the player's agent, Matyas Esterhazy, sought to calm speculation. In statements to the Hungarian publication NB1, he said: "It is completely normal for the public, when Dominik is playing at this level, to talk about what comes next and if there is something higher. Therefore, at this moment, talking about what will happen in the summer is not correct, in my opinion. Moreover, Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world and Dominik is in a position within the team with a lot of room for growth, so we are not looking elsewhere or to the side."
Van Dijk Liverpool remains central to this story.
Van Dijk Liverpool remains central to this story.
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