Dominik Szoboszlai embraces new Liverpool leadership role

The Hungary captain was named one of Liverpool's vice-captains for the 2026-27 season, alongside Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez, with Virgil van Dijk continuing as skipper.

Szoboszlai has taken on greater responsibility following Andy Robertson's departure and feels ready to lead more prominently during his fourth season at Anfield.

Speaking to former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard for TNT Sports, the 25-year-old explained that he prefers to lead through his performances rather than constantly speaking in the dressing room.

"I think so (I was ready)," Szoboszlai said. "This is my longest period in a football club, to be honest, because I was never so long in a club like this. This is my fourth season.

"I try to give every day my best, in every game, in every training session. Sometimes I'm maybe not speaking as much in the changing room – for this we have other types of players, like Virgil, Joey, Ali, they are even more senior."

Szoboszlai believes leadership comes in different forms, but his preference is to set the standard on the pitch.

"I can also speak… I think you need both, but I would rather speak on the pitch, how I do and what I do," he added.

The midfielder has also quickly taken to Iraola's approach since the Spaniard took charge.

Szoboszlai said he particularly enjoys the direct and intense style of football being introduced at Liverpool, which he feels can restore an edge that was missing last season.

"I like him, I like him a lot," Szoboszlai said of Iraola. "Obviously I know his is a really direct playing style, intense, which I love.

"This is what we missed last season. If we can bring this intensity back and [show] that we want it more than the others, we have the quality – and this together, no-one can stop us."

Szoboszlai had already heard about Iraola's demanding methods from new Liverpool team-mate Milos Kerkez, who worked with the manager at Bournemouth.

"I was expecting, actually, this because he said, 'We are going to go, we run, all in, one-v-one if needed,' and that is what I like," Szoboszlai said.

"I want to go and we shouldn't be scared of anyone."

The midfielder believes Liverpool must make their own strengths the focus rather than worrying too much about their rivals.

"As Liverpool FC, we should focus on what the other teams do but they should focus more on what we are doing," he said.

"So, let's make something perfect and then let's see.

"Let them think, 'Oh, what are we going to do now Liverpool is coming?'"

Szoboszlai will now look to put those words into action when Liverpool face Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday.