Szoboszlai ready to lead as Liverpool embrace Iraola’s intensity

Dominik Szoboszlai says he is ready to take on greater leadership responsibility at Liverpool and believes Andoni Iraola’s high-intensity approach can turn the Reds into a side their opponents fear.

The Hungary captain has been appointed one of Liverpool’s vice-captains for the 2026-27 season, alongside Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez. Virgil van Dijk will continue as club captain.

Szoboszlai is entering his fourth season at Anfield and has assumed a more prominent role following Andy Robertson’s departure. The 25-year-old says he feels prepared for the increased expectations, although he does not intend to become the most vocal figure in the dressing room.

Speaking to former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard for TNT Sports, Szoboszlai said he was more comfortable setting an example through his performances than constantly addressing his team-mates.

“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.”

The midfielder believes effective leadership does not follow one particular model. While he accepts there is an important place for communication, he would rather influence matches by the way he plays.

“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.

Szoboszlai welcomes Iraola methods

Szoboszlai has also responded positively to the methods introduced by Iraola since the Spaniard became Liverpool manager.

He said he particularly enjoyed the direct, energetic style being developed at Anfield and suggested it could restore an intensity that Liverpool lacked during the previous 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 received an early indication of Iraola’s demands from new Liverpool team-mate Milos Kerkez, who previously 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.”

Rather than becoming distracted by the strengths of rival teams, Szoboszlai believes Liverpool should concentrate on imposing their own style and making opponents react to them.

“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 have the opportunity to demonstrate that approach when Liverpool host Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday.