Virgil van Dijk heaps praise on ‘incredible’ Liverpool star | OneFootball

Szoboszlai’s Energy Inspires Van Dijk and Liverpool’s Resurgence

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has spoken glowingly about Dominik Szoboszlai’s growing influence under Arne Slot, describing the Hungarian midfielder’s contribution as “incredible” following a week that has reignited belief at Anfield.

After a turbulent October that tested Liverpool’s resilience, back-to-back victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid have re-established momentum. Both wins were built on defensive solidity – clean sheets that were rare in recent months – and Szoboszlai’s relentless energy has been at the heart of that improvement.

Szoboszlai’s relentless drive underpins Liverpool’s intensity

Since joining Liverpool, Szoboszlai has quickly become a symbol of Slot’s tactical discipline and pressing identity. His instruction for players to regain possession within five seconds of losing the ball has visibly transformed the side’s approach. Against both Villa and Real Madrid, Szoboszlai embodied that ethos, combining defensive commitment with attacking threat.

Van Dijk, who provided the leadership from the back, singled out the midfielder’s influence in his post-match reflections. “Dom is very important,” he said. “The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible. The quality that he has is outstanding. He’s learning in each and every game and developing into the player that we all feel he could be. He’s showing it for his country as well.”

The Dutch defender’s praise wasn’t merely complimentary—it was reflective of a broader shift within Liverpool’s dressing room. Slot’s emphasis on collective responsibility and quick transitions has demanded players capable of both creativity and work rate. Szoboszlai has proven to be that bridge between flair and function.

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool Liverpool v Manchester United, 

Rising standards and captain’s challenge

Van Dijk was also keen to temper excitement, urging the Hungarian to maintain his trajectory across the campaign. “He just needs to keep doing it for the rest of the season,” he continued. “So far, he’s had a great start. Now he just needs to keep going, keep his head down and keep performing well.”

That measured encouragement encapsulates Van Dijk’s leadership style—praise balanced with expectation. Liverpool’s captain knows that sustaining form through a long, demanding season will define whether this group can reclaim domestic and European honours.

For Szoboszlai, that means building on an impressive start that has seen him blend seamlessly into Slot’s system. His technical ability and stamina have earned plaudits from both teammates and analysts alike.

Creative spark meets tactical discipline

Even during Liverpool’s difficult spell, Szoboszlai’s performances stood out for their consistency. In the victory over Real Madrid, his all-action display captured why he has quickly become indispensable.

According to Sofascore, the 25-year-old registered four shots on target—the most of any Liverpool player—and created three key passes, while completing all of his crosses. His contribution was so commanding that local media rated him among the top performers on the pitch. Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo described it as “another superb showing,” awarding him a 9/10 in post-match ratings.

It was a performance that fused creativity with control, aggression with intelligence. Szoboszlai not only threatened with the ball but dictated Liverpool’s pressing tempo, ensuring Madrid struggled to build from deep.

Emerging as a key figure in Liverpool’s new era

Van Dijk’s endorsement highlights how crucial Szoboszlai has become to Liverpool’s evolving identity. His energy symbolises a side determined to reassert itself among Europe’s elite. With Slot’s philosophy beginning to take hold and the captain marshalling standards from defence, Liverpool appear to have rediscovered balance and belief.

As the season unfolds, Szoboszlai’s challenge will be to maintain the intensity and consistency that have already made him one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders. Should he continue this form, he will be a genuine contender for Liverpool’s player of the season—and perhaps much more beyond that.