Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has revealed that he is yet to finalise a verdict on the club’s next vice-captain, but his glowing praise of Dominik Szoboszlai has offered the strongest indication yet that the Hungarian could be in line for the role.
The Reds enter a new era of leadership following the departures of both Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah this summer. With Virgil Van Dijk remaining club captain, attention has turned to who will replace the Scotsman as his deputy.
Although Iraola insists no decision has been made, he suggested the importance of leadership extends far beyond the armband:
"I will address it later because I still haven't met half the squad, I haven't seen them face to face. I think we will take the decision when it happens, but I always say you don't need to wear an armband to be a leader, to be a captain.
"I understand in England it has a lot of meaning, but I've had a lot of captains and leaders without wearing the armband. It's one thing for the armband to be there in pictures, but you can lead the team and be an important player not just because of one word on an armband. We need more than one or two vice-captains, we need a lot of captains on the pitch."
The new Liverpool boss is cooly playing off the media attempting to amplify the noise surrounding the position, insisting on the sensationalism surrounding the armband in England.
While that response kept Liverpool's options open, Iraola's comments on Szoboszlai were particularly revealing. The Hungarian midfielder has established himself as one of Liverpool's most influential players since arriving from RB Leipzig, and after signing a new long-term contract earlier this summer, he appears to have become one of the cornerstones of Iraola's new project.
"It's one of the greatest news since I arrived at the club, his commitment to the club, his contract renewal. He's come in great shape and is leading by example in training, pushing a lot. I think young players should be looking at him, and he definitely has to be one of our leaders."
Those comments are likely to fuel speculation that Szoboszlai is among the leading contenders to become Liverpool's next vice-captain.
The midfielder has already captained Hungary on numerous occasions at international level and has developed a reputation as one of the hardest-working members of Liverpool's squad.
Liverpool still possess several experienced candidates, including Joe Gomez and Alisson Becker, both of whom have spent years at Anfield and are expected to play important leadership roles this season.
Leaders along the back line will be pivotal ahead of the upcoming season with the club amidst a transition period and the defensive line a primary victim. With unsure performances from Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong under Arne Slot last season, and Jeremy Jacquet coming in as only the third available centre-back option at the club, Iraola will undoubtedly need his leadership group to glue together a cohesive and formidable back line.
However, Iraola's emphasis on creating "a lot of captains on the pitch" suggests he wants responsibility to be shared throughout the squad rather than resting on a select few senior figures.
An official decision on the vice-captaincy is expected before the start of the Premier League campaign, and Virgil Van Dijk has not been shy on announcing his intentions to give his own opinion on the matter.
Based on Iraola's latest comments, though, Szoboszlai has strengthened his case significantly and looks set to play a pivotal role in Liverpool's new leadership group, regardless of whether he ultimately receives the armband.
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