Steve McManaman Urges Dominik Szoboszlai to Take Charge of Liverpool Leadership After Summer Departures
Following major changes at Anfield this summer, Dominik Szoboszlai has been named one of Liverpool’s vice-captains. The Hungarian midfielder shares this role with Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez under new head coach Andoni Iraola, supporting captain Virgil van Dijk. This move comes after the exit of key leaders Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
McManaman Calls on Szoboszlai to Step Up
Former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman believes Szoboszlai must take on a leading role both on and off the pitch. Speaking to Seven, he pointed out that when prominent figures leave, others need to rise and fill the void. McManaman sees Szoboszlai as a natural successor to Van Dijk, particularly in managing the game from midfield.
"Dominik Szoboszlai is another one who is establishing himself in this team now. We've lost some big players over the last few years; big characters in the side, so you need somebody to either come in or step up. That's what superstars do," McManaman said.
Guiding Younger Players Through Transition
With many young players in the squad, McManaman feels the new leadership group must keep standards high. He emphasized the authority Salah and Robertson once held and urged Szoboszlai, Van Dijk, and Alisson to help accelerate the growth of younger teammates during this period of rebuilding.
"He's got a really important role to play this season, because we've lost some huge characters. They need to play a really big role in bringing the younger lads through, and quite quickly," McManaman added.
Looking Ahead: Champions League and Domestic Challenges
McManaman expects that securing a top-four finish and making an impact in domestic cups would mark a positive start for Iraola's tenure. While considering the squad somewhat thin for a title chase, he hopes the second-year players will show significant progress. Liverpool’s success will heavily rely on Szoboszlai's leadership as new signings and youth prospects blend into Iraola’s system.
- Event: Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
- Date: 9 Sept 2026
- Time: 22:00
