Steve McManaman Urges Dominik Szoboszlai to Step Up as Liverpool’s New Leader After Key Departures
Szoboszlai Joins Liverpool’s Leadership Ranks
Dominik Szoboszlai has been named one of the vice-captains at Liverpool, stepping into a leadership role after major summer changes at Anfield. The Hungarian midfielder joins Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez as deputies to captain Virgil van Dijk, under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
This promotion follows the exit of influential figures Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, leaving a leadership gap in the squad.
McManaman Calls on Szoboszlai to Lead
Ex-Liverpool winger Steve McManaman believes Szoboszlai must take charge both on and off the pitch. Talking to Seven, McManaman pointed out that with key leaders gone, rising stars have to fill the void.
"Dominik Szoboszlai is another one who is establishing himself in this team now," McManaman said. "We've lost some big players over the last few years; big characters in the side, and so you need somebody to either come in or step up. That's what superstars do."
He sees Szoboszlai as a future cornerstone for controlling the game's rhythm from midfield and eventually succeeding Van Dijk’s leadership.
Guiding Liverpool's Younger Players
With many young talents in Iraola’s squad, McManaman stresses the importance of the new leadership group maintaining high standards. He noted the strong presence Salah and Robertson had in the dressing room and urged Szoboszlai, Van Dijk, and Alisson to quickly nurture the younger players during this rebuilding period.
"He's got a really important role to play this season, because we've lost some huge characters," McManaman added. "They need to play a really big role in bringing the younger lads through, and quite quickly."
Looking Ahead: Expectations for Iraola’s First Season
McManaman thinks a top-four finish and solid runs in domestic cup competitions would mark a successful start for Iraola’s tenure. While he feels the squad might lack the depth for a title challenge, he expects noticeable progress from players entering their second season.
Liverpool will depend heavily on Szoboszlai’s leadership as new signings and youth prospects blend into the team’s system.
- Match: Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
- Date: 9 September 2026
- Time: 22:00
