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

Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman has urged Szoboszlai to embrace the leadership role following the departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson from Anfield.

This summer, new manager Andoni Iraola appointed Szoboszlai as one of three vice-captains alongside captain Virgil van Dijk. Sharing this responsibility with the Hungarian midfielder are veteran goalkeeper Alisson Becker and long-serving defender Joe Gomez, who joined the club in 2015.

Salah and Robertson departed after the season ended. Since joining in 2017, both made significant contributions during Liverpool's successful period. Their exits have raised concerns that, aside from van Dijk—who also captains the Netherlands—Liverpool lacks established leaders within the squad.

With Szoboszlai now part of Anfield's core leadership group, McManaman believes the former RB Leipzig player must establish himself as an indispensable figure under Iraola.

McManaman said in an interview: "Szoboszlai is a player who is establishing himself in this team."

"Alisson has been here for around a decade and is a superstar, as is van Dijk. Now it's Szoboszlai's turn to be part of this team's backbone."

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

"That's what a superstar does. He's arguably the de facto captain after van Dijk in central midfield, controlling how we play."

"His role this season is crucial because we've lost so many key figures. Salah has always been a very experienced presence in the dressing room."

"Robertson is the same. They're both very vocal and charismatic players who can lead the dressing room. That responsibility must continue, and hopefully Alisson, van Dijk, and Szoboszlai can take on vital roles and help the younger players develop quickly."

McManaman added: "For Iraola and Liverpool, success this season means staying competitive in the 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 Iraola."

"I still think they're a bit short of challenging for the title, but if they can secure a Champions League spot, that would be a successful season."

"There are a lot of young players in this squad, and they're all talented, but with limited Premier League experience, you can't put too much pressure on them."

"They need time to adapt. What I really hope is that last year's signings perform better this season, and I believe they will."

"Combine all that with improvements from last season's arrivals, the new signings brought in this summer, and the potential of the young players in the squad, I think it will be a good season."

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