Liam Duckstein
Dominik Szoboszlai’s tattoo—a Hungarian phrase inked on his forearm—reads: ‘Talent is a divine blessing, but without incredible will and humility, it is worth nothing.’ The words belong to Steven Gerrard, a man whose legacy at Liverpool looms large over the club’s history.
When Szoboszlai arrived from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £60m, he didn’t just inherit Gerrard’s iconic number eight shirt—he embraced the weight of expectation that came with it. Alexis Mac Allister had turned down the number earlier that summer, but Szoboszlai wanted more than a jersey. He wanted to be the heartbeat of the team.
The Gerrard Comparison
This season, the 25-year-old has delivered. Ten goals and seven assists later, he’s become Liverpool’s most influential player. Only Hugo Ekitike has more goal involvements, and Virgil van Dijk has logged more minutes. Even Mohamed Salah, his close friend, called him ‘one of the best players in the world right now.’
Szoboszlai bristles at comparisons to Gerrard, insisting he’s carving his own path. Yet the similarities are striking—taking charge when others falter, producing moments of magic, and shouldering responsibility like a seasoned leader. His free-kick strikes against Arsenal and Manchester City, both scored from right-back, showcased a player evolving beyond his preferred number 10 role.
A Leader in the Making
Liverpool’s campaign has been turbulent. Speculation swirls around Salah’s future, while defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson face uncertain futures. But Szoboszlai’s contract—with just over two years remaining—may be the most critical negotiation of all.
Reports from Spanish outlet Marca suggest Real Madrid remains a dream destination, with Hungary boss Marco Rossi claiming it’s his ultimate ambition. Vinícius Júnior even named Szoboszlai among his closest friends outside the Madrid squad. Yet the midfielder’s agent, Matyas Esterhazy, dismissed exit rumors this week, telling Hungarian TV: ‘He’s not looking for a move elsewhere.’
‘There is still a step to make in terms of leadership.’
Those who train with him daily describe a relentless competitor. Szoboszlai is often the first to arrive at the facility, topping Liverpool’s running stats and covering more ground than any teammate this season. Teammate Milos Kerkez joked he could ‘jog from Liverpool to Hungary without breaking a sweat.’
His relationship with Salah extends beyond the pitch. The pair bond over backgammon and frequent each other’s homes, with Salah’s high standards pushing Szoboszlai to elevate his game. When Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane called his backheel attempt ‘disrespectful’ after a costly mistake, Szoboszlai defended himself—while manager Arne Slot privately reinforced the need for better judgment.
The Next Captain?
At 22, Szoboszlai was named Hungary’s captain. Liverpool sees him as a future skipper, too. With Robertson likely departing this summer and Van Dijk’s contract expiring in 2027, the armband could be his sooner than expected.
Slot acknowledged his leadership potential but noted room for growth: ‘He leads by example, but being vocal like Virgil—that’s the next step. Virgil is 34, has learned from Milner and Henderson. Dominik will get there.’
Van Dijk echoed the sentiment: ‘He’s already a leader on the pitch. Off it, he’s still learning. That’s a good thing—it means he can grow even more.’
Szoboszlai’s journey hasn’t been seamless. In Klopp’s final season, he struggled at Luton, kicking a ball out of the stadium in frustration. By the end of that campaign, he was benched. But the setback fueled his fire. This term, he’s played more minutes than ever, just 302 short of last season’s total.
When Klopp signed him, he called Szoboszlai ‘a signing for our present and future.’ Liverpool will do everything to ensure that future remains at Anfield.