The 25-year-old Hungarian midfielder, signed for £60m from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, has taken his game to new heights this campaign. With Liverpool navigating a challenging second season under Slot—sitting outside the top positions amid inconsistent results—Szoboszlai has been the Reds’ “main character,” leading the team in goals (10 so far), assists (7), minutes played, chances created, accurate crosses, and forward passes in the Champions League and Premier League combined.
His explosive performances have drawn widespread acclaim, with Mohamed Salah himself describing him as “one of the best players in the world.” Slot has heaped praise on the midfielder’s “close to ridiculous” qualities: “On and off the ball, work-rate another level, the intensity, he presses unbelievable, technique, game insight… He’s been vital for us this and last season,” the Dutch boss said recently. Szoboszlai’s versatility—shining as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, right winger, and even right-back—has made him indispensable in Slot’s fluid, high-intensity system.
But it’s Szoboszlai’s growing leadership that has truly captured attention. Leading by example on the pitch through relentless energy and big-game mentality, he has stepped up as the team searches for new voices following the Klopp era. Captain Virgil van Dijk recently highlighted Szoboszlai as a potential future successor to the armband, noting his ability to “lead by example” and suggesting he could make “the next step” in vocal leadership. “He has been very good… a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team,” Van Dijk said. “Hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool.”
Slot echoed this sentiment when asked about Szoboszlai’s captaincy potential: “Yes, but he is still young. He has a lot of attributes already, especially when it comes to leading by example. 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.”
The rise hasn’t been without challenges. Szoboszlai’s debut season showed flashes of Gerrard-esque quality but was hampered by the physical demands of the Premier League. Under Slot, however, he has thrived, becoming more consistent and influential. His friendship with Salah has also been highlighted as a key factor in his development, with the Egyptian providing mentorship and motivation.
Off the pitch, Szoboszlai’s leadership qualities shine through his professionalism and hunger. Liverpool are keen to extend his contract beyond its current 2028 expiry, viewing him as central to the post-Salah and post-Van Dijk future. Despite recent speculation linking him to Real Madrid—fueled by comments from Hungary coach Marco Rossi about the player’s “dream” move—the player’s agent has downplayed any desire to leave, emphasizing his commitment to Anfield.
Fans and pundits see parallels to club legends like Steven Gerrard, not just in style but in spirit. Szoboszlai’s ability to carry the team, score crucial goals, and inspire those around him has made him the embodiment of Liverpool’s fighting qualities this season. As the Reds push for a return to form in the league and cups, the midfielder’s leadership—both by deeds and, increasingly, by words—could prove decisive.
In an era of transition at Anfield, Dominik Szoboszlai isn’t just rising; he’s stepping forward as the leader Liverpool need to bridge past glories with future success.
