Virgil van Dijk has backed Dominik Szoboszlai as a future Liverpool captain after the Hungarian midfielder signed a new long-term contract that runs to 2031. Szoboszlai, 25, was appointed one of Liverpool’s vice-captains for the 2026–27 season alongside Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez, following Andy Robertson’s departure over the summer.

Van Dijk, whose own deal expires in 2027, said Szoboszlai has shown he can “make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team”. He added that leadership “starts by leading by example”, which he believes Szoboszlai has done this season, but noted there is “still progress to be made” and that the final decision rests with the manager.

Szoboszlai has captained Hungary since November 2022 and has spoken publicly about his ambition to one day wear the Liverpool armband, saying “nothing is bigger than that”. His new contract, agreed in July, ended persistent speculation linking him with Real Madrid and underlined Liverpool’s view of him as a long-term pillar of the squad.

The article’s core claims are broadly consistent with reporting up to 21 September 2026: Szoboszlai’s extension to 2031, his vice-captaincy, Van Dijk’s public backing, and his Hungary captaincy are all supported. One correction: the piece suggests Liverpool have had a “massive drop in collective form” this season; by late September 2026, Liverpool under Andoni Iraola were competing at the top end of the table and in the Champions League, so that characterization is overstated for this date.