Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has publicly backed Dominik Szoboszlai to take over the armband in the future. Van Dijk, 35, praised Szoboszlai for his composure after the new vice-captain converted a 99th-minute penalty to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle.
Szoboszlai, who was Liverpool's player of the year last season, began the new campaign with a goal. Van Dijk highlighted Szoboszlai's quality and nerve, noting his experience as a national team captain.
New head coach Andoni Iraola added Szoboszlai to Liverpool's leadership group following the departures of Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. Van Dijk, Alisson, and Joe Gomez are the other members, all in the final year of their contracts, while Szoboszlai recently signed a new five-year deal.
Van Dijk also commented on Alexander Isak's return to St James' Park, stating he did not believe the striker was affected by the hostile reception from Newcastle fans. Meanwhile, Liverpool continues its search for Salah's replacement, with two bids for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh reportedly rejected last week.