As Liverpool prepares for a potential leadership transition at Anfield, former Red Boudewijn Zenden has identified an "influential" player he believes could be the club's next captain after Virgil van Dijk.

With Van Dijk's current contract set to expire next summer—just before his 36th birthday—the armband will likely be up for grabs. The timing adds urgency, as the squad also needs a new vice-captain following Andy Robertson's departure.

Van Dijk has already encouraged younger teammates to "step up" and take on more responsibility as several veteran players move on. Zenden, speaking via the Liverpool Echo, sees a clear candidate already in the dressing room: Dominik Szoboszlai.

"I can see Dominik Szoboszlai as a future Liverpool captain," Zenden said. "He's a player who dominates in the middle, he's influential, and he always works really hard for the team. He scores his goals and is a very, very important player for the team. You can be a captain if you lead by example. Why not?"

The Hungarian midfielder already captains his national team, and at 25 years old, he represents the kind of long-term investment that could anchor Liverpool's midfield for years to come. His work rate, influence on the pitch, and natural leadership qualities make him a compelling choice for the armband.

For fans looking to back the next generation of Liverpool leaders, Szoboszlai's rise is one to watch closely as the club navigates this transition period.