According to Liverpool Echo, Szoboszlai joined Liverpool's leadership team this summer.

Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman has urged Szoboszlai to assume the leadership responsibility left vacant by Salah and Robertson following their departures from Anfield.

This summer, new manager Arne Slot appointed Szoboszlai as one of three vice-captains alongside Van Dijk. Joining the Hungarian international in this role are veteran goalkeeper Alisson Becker and long-serving defender Joe Gomez, who has been with the club since 2015.

Robertson and Salah left the club this summer. Since joining in 2017, they made significant contributions during the club's successful period. Their departures have raised concerns that, aside from Van Dijk, who also captains the Netherlands, Liverpool lacks other leaders in the squad.

With Szoboszlai entering Anfield's inner leadership circle, former Reds winger McManaman believes the ex-RB Leipzig midfielder must now become an essential part of Slot's team.

McManaman said in an interview: "Szoboszlai is another player who has established himself in this team."

"You know, goalkeeper Alisson has been here for over six years and is a superstar, as is centre-back Van Dijk. Now it's Szoboszlai's turn to lead the club's central core."

"We've lost some important players over recent years, and there are fewer key figures on the pitch, so you need someone to step up and take responsibility."

"That's what superstars do. He's potentially the de facto captain after Van Dijk, controlling the midfield and how we play."

"His role this season is crucial because we've lost many influential figures. You know, Salah has always been a very experienced voice in the dressing room."

"The same goes for Robertson. Both are very vocal and charismatic leaders who controlled the dressing room. That role must continue, and hopefully Alisson, Van Dijk, and Szoboszlai can take on these vital roles and help the young players develop as quickly as possible."

McManaman added: "For Slot and Liverpool, a successful season means staying competitive in cup competitions and qualifying for the Champions League again. From what I've seen so far, I think it will be a good season for Slot, I really do."

"I still think they're slightly short to compete for the title, but if they can secure a Champions League place, that's a good season for me."

"You know, there are many young players in this team, and they're all good, but you can't overburden them when they have little Premier League experience."

"They need time to adapt. What I'm really hoping for is that the players we recruited last year will perform better this year, and I'm confident they will."

"Combine these factors with improvements from last year's signings, the arrival of some new recruits this summer, and the excitement brought by some of the young players in the squad, I think it will be a good season."

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