Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk left ‘gutted’ as favourite to inherit captaincy named

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has praised Dominik Szoboszlai’s leadership qualities while Wataru Endo could miss the rest of the season with injury

Liverpool’s casualty list remains the dominant talking point as the Reds aim to conclude the campaign on a high note. Arne Slot’s squad are bearing the consequences of a damaging autumn spell, and several personnel problems threaten to undo much of the club’s recent progress.

Slot’s team approach Sunday’s encounter with Nottingham Forest without several crucial figures. Liverpool have maximised the available talent to secure four victories from their previous five outings despite the difficulties, yet the squad is approaching the most demanding section of the season.

The Reds remain contenders to secure a pair of silverware this campaign, presuming the Premier League title has slipped beyond reach. And Daily Star Sport examines the latest developments around Anfield as the club seeks to restart its Premier League climb.

Virgil van Dijk endorses DominikSzoboszlai for leadership role

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Dominik Szoboszlai appears destined to claim Liverpool’s Player of the Season award after reaching fresh peaks at Anfield this campaign. And with additional qualities emerging, the Hungarian has received support to eventually inherit the captain’s armband, reports the Mirror.

Demands for ‘Szobosz’ to take on the captaincy have been gaining momentum this campaign. The 25-year-old has netted 10 times and provided seven assists across 35 appearances this term, which proves even more remarkable considering he’s been deployed between central midfield, right-back, right wing and various other duties.

Szoboszlai has even drawn parallels to club legend Steven Gerrard following his exceptional run of form. And current captain Van Dijk offered his teammate significant praise by endorsing the prospect of him eventually assuming the armband.

“Obviously he has been very good,” said the Dutchman. “Also a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team.

“It starts by leading by example and that’s something he has done so far this season. But also everything around it; there is still progress to be made, and that’s a good thing in my opinion, so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool.”

Wataru Endo injury news “gutting” for Liverpool

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Liverpool were recently stunned by reports that Wataru Endo might be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign after sustaining an injury during the 1-0 triumph over Sunderland.

The Japan midfielder became trapped awkwardly in the pitch whilst trying to make a clearance, made all the more painful considering it marked his maiden league appearance of the term.

Endo, 33, has struggled to secure a spot in Slot’s midfield but assisted the side by operating as an improvised right-back. Regular options Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong are already receiving treatment, whilst Joe Gomez has been plagued by fitness issues for months.

Van Dijk revealed how “gutted” the entire squad felt after discovering the severity of Endo’s setback. Nevertheless, the captain displayed solidarity following the blow and emphasised Endo’s significance despite his limited game time.

“It’s a shame, we were all really gutted after the [Sunderland] game,” said Van Dijk. “I had a similar injury when I was at Southampton, a foot injury, and it’s not an easy one to take. But we are here for him, we are going to be together with him all the way and support him with everything he needs.”