Forget Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk thinks Liverpool have another ‘world-class’ player
Liverpool club captain Virgil van Dijk has sung the praises of one star teammate he believes is “world class,” ahead of their match against Atletico Madrid.
Van Dijk was flawless against Burnley on Sunday, as Liverpool beat Scott Parker’s side 1-0 thanks to a late Mohamed Salah penalty.
Liverpool’s win over Burnley continued their perfect start to the Premier League season, winning all four of their opening league matches.
Arne Slot’s side are looking to defend their Premier League title, but will now turn their attention to their match against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Virgil van Dijk calls Dominik Szoboszlai ‘world-class’
Record-breaking deadline day signing Alexander Isak looks set to make his debut when Liverpool face off against Atletico Madrid, after Slot confirmed he’s facing a challenge to get up to full match fitness.
One man who will certainly feature is Dominik Szoboszlai, and in the build-up to the game, van Dijk has been singing the Hungarian’s praises.
Talking about Liverpool’s Hungarian duo, Milos Kerkez and Szoboszlai, in his pre-match press conference, van Dijk said: “[They have] A lot of energy, a lot of quality. Milos [Kerkez] is learning how we play and the intensity of playing for Liverpool and dealing with it on and off the pitch.
“Not easy. He is going to be absolutely fine. Dom has had a great start to the season. Position isn’t his favoured one but he did it in a world-class level.
“It’s a great option to have for the rest of the season. I’m very delighted for both of them. They are learning every day.“
Dominik Szoboszlai makes himself undroppable for Arne Slot
Szoboszlai has played a key role for his side this season, scoring the winning goal as Liverpool beat Arsenal in their early-season showdown ahead of the international break.
The former RB Leipzig man has been filling in at right back for the injured Jeremie Frimpong, with the transition to the position appearing seamless.
| Dominik Szoboszlai 2025-26 | |
| Goals | 1 |
| Progressive passes per 90 | 6.5 |
| Passes into final third per 90 | 7.25 |
| Shot creating actions per 90 | 2.75 |
| Tackles and interceptions | 11 |
Now Frimpong is back to fitness, Szoboszlai will likely slot back into midfield, contesting with Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz for their more advanced roles in Slot’s midfield trio.
With selfless contributions and big-time moments coming hand in hand for Szoboszlai in recent weeks, it appears the 24-year-old has made himself undroppable, ahead of Liverpool’s first Champions League clash.