Dominik Szoboszlai has emerged as the leading candidate to inherit the Liverpool captaincy from Virgil van Dijk, according to former Reds defender Glen Johnson. The Hungarian midfielder's leadership qualities and willingness to sacrifice personal performance for the team's needs have drawn comparisons to club legend Steven Gerrard, who captained Liverpool for 17 years and made 710 appearances before departing for MLS in 2015.
Van Dijk, who assumed the armband in summer 2023, will turn 35 in July with just over 12 months remaining on his current contract. When the Dutch centre-back eventually departs Anfield, Liverpool will need to select a successor capable of leading the club through its next competitive chapter. Johnson believes Szoboszlai possesses the precise characteristics required for the role. "He's been there long enough now to know the club," Johnson told GOAL exclusively. "He always puts his best foot forward and has played out of position many times to do what the team needs—that's exactly what Stevie had."
The Case for Szoboszlai
Since joining Liverpool, Szoboszlai has demonstrated the kind of commitment and passion Johnson associates with the club's greatest captains. The midfielder wears his emotions openly, caring deeply about winning and refusing to accept mediocrity. Johnson acknowledged that while Szoboszlai occasionally has outbursts, his intensity and heart on his sleeve reflect the mentality Liverpool demands from its on-field leaders. By inheriting Gerrard's iconic No.8 shirt, Szoboszlai has already signalled his ambitions at the club.
However, uncertainty clouds his long-term future on Merseyside. Szoboszlai's contract runs through the 2027-28 season, but no extension has been agreed. Persistent speculation linking him with Real Madrid and other elite European clubs could complicate his path to the captaincy. Johnson conceded that resisting advances from the Spanish giants would prove extremely difficult for any player, regardless of stated commitment to Liverpool.
Potential Succession Challenges
- Szoboszlai's contract expires at the end of 2027-28 season
- Real Madrid have shown consistent interest in the midfielder
- No contract extension has yet been agreed with Liverpool
- Liverpool must decide on captaincy successor within next 18 months
Szoboszlai has publicly stated his "love" for Liverpool and described comparisons with Gerrard as a "big compliment." Yet the reality remains that elite players operating at his level will always attract attention from the world's biggest clubs. Whether Liverpool can retain him long enough to hand over the captaincy armband, following the legacy of greats like Ian Rush, Alan Hansen, and Graeme Souness, depends on both the midfielder's commitment and the club's ability to compete at the highest level. The coming transfer windows will prove decisive in determining whether Szoboszlai becomes Liverpool's next captain or whether the Reds must look elsewhere for their future leader.
