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Dominik Szoboszlai was suspended for Liverpool's game against Wolves in the Premier League, but he demonstrated his leadership credentials after the game
Dominik Szoboszlai may have been suspended for Liverpool's win over Wolves on Saturday, but that did not prevent him from showing up for his teammates at Anfield.
The Hungary international has arguably been the team's best player this season, but a yellow card picked up against Tottenham before Christmas took him onto five bookings for the season, which was enough to earn him a one-game ban.
Thankfully for Liverpool and Szoboszlai, his absence from the squad did not prevent the Reds from picking up three points, as goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz were enough to earn a 2-1 win, despite a disappointing second-half showing which saw Wolves threaten to claim a point.
READ MORE: Hugo Ekitike's reaction to Wolves win is everything Liverpool fans would want it to beREAD MORE: Virgil van Dijk reveals Liverpool locker room reaction to Florian Wirtz goal - 'More important'After the game, Szoboszlai was waiting by the dugout for his teammates, hugging and clasping hands with them as they left the field.
Compatriot and good friend Milos Kerkez got the biggest hug of all after another encouraging display from the left-back, who is making good progress after a difficult start to the campaign.
It is that kind of leadership that has seen many observers tip Szoboszlai for a captaincy role at Liverpool when Virgil van Dijk eventually departs.
Van Dijk has been Liverpool's captain ever since Jordan Henderson exited Anfield in 2023, but has just 18 months left on his current Reds deal and it is not clear whether he will extend his Anfield stay beyond the summer of 2027.
Many Liverpool fans on social media commented on the video of Szoboszlai waiting for his teammates at full-time, with one saying: "Szoboszlai’s 100% our next captain man, he’s got everything that’s needed. Leads by example, seems to care a massive amount about the club and has already captained Hungary to success from a young age. We’re lucky to have him."
Another said: "Look at how Szoboszlai is congratulating the players after their win without him. Captain material."
After Liverpool's win over Real Madrid at Anfield earlier this season, it was suggested to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot that Reds legend Steven Gerrard would have been proud of Szoboszlai's performance during the game.
Slot smiled as he responded: “That’s probably the best compliment he can get!”
Slot went on to say that Szoboslai had been "outstanding" throughout the season while he also praised the midfielder's work both on and off the ball.
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