Embracing the Number Eight Legacy
When Dominik Szoboszlai joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £60m, he took the number eight shirt, famously worn by Steven Gerrard. A tattoo on his forearm quotes Gerrard in Hungarian: “Talent is a divine blessing, but without incredible will and humility, it is worth nothing.” Szoboszlai may insist he is writing his own story, but from the moment he arrived, he embraced the responsibility and “main-character” energy the shirt represents.
Rising Performance and Key Contributions
The 25-year-old has emerged as Liverpool’s standout performer this season, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists. Even when deployed outside his preferred number 10 role, he has produced crucial moments — including free-kicks against Arsenal and Manchester City — while starting at right-back. Only Hugo Ekitike has been involved in more goals, and only Virgil van Dijk has logged more minutes. Close friend Mohamed Salah describes him as “one of the best players in the world right now,” highlighting both his talent and growing influence on the squad.
Leadership Potential and the Future
Off the pitch, Szoboszlai is known for his work ethic and competitiveness, regularly among the first to arrive at training and leading Liverpool in running stats. He was named Hungary captain at just 22 and is widely seen as a future Liverpool skipper. Manager Arne Slot notes that while Szoboszlai still needs to develop vocal leadership, he already leads by example and has the attributes to become a central figure in the dressing room. With vice-captain Andy Robertson likely to depart and Van Dijk’s contract expiring in 2027, Szoboszlai’s rise as a leader at Liverpool appears imminent, blending skill, determination, and influence to shape the club’s next era.
