London – In statements reflecting potential leadership changes within the corridors of Anfield, Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool FC and its veteran center-back, praised his Hungarian international teammate Dominik Szoboszlai, considering him the most prominent candidate to carry the captain's armband in the near future, in light of the great development shown by the player during a difficult season faced by the English Premier League title holder.

Remarkable development and multiple roles

Szoboszlai, 25, has proven his worth as a key player in Dutch coach Arne Slot's squad. He hasn't limited himself to attacking midfield duties, but has also demonstrated great tactical flexibility by filling in at right-back when needed to cover defensive gaps. His efforts were rewarded with his tenth goal of the season in the resounding 3-0 victory over Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Hungarian star is steadily approaching equaling or surpassing his best goal tally in his career (12 goals), which he previously achieved with Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg in the 2019-2020 season, reflecting his footballing maturity and complete adaptation to the difficult atmosphere of English football.

Praise from the "Egyptian King" and the future of leadership

The praise wasn't limited to captain Virgil van Dijk; Egyptian international Mohamed Salah joined in, describing Szoboszlai as "one of the best players in the world right now," emphasizing the significant technical value he brings to the team. These comments come at a sensitive time regarding Liverpool's leadership hierarchy, as Scottish left-back Andy Robertson (who turns 32 next month) is the team's second captain. However, the uncertainty surrounding his future, with his contract nearing its end at the conclusion of the current season, has fueled speculation about who will be the next captain.

When asked about the possibility of Szoboszlai taking over the captaincy, Van Dijk's response was clear and encouraging: “That decision rests with the manager, Arne Slott, but yes, I think he is capable of taking the next step and becoming captain of this team. Leadership starts with setting an example on the pitch, which Dominic has done exceptionally well this season.” The Dutch defender added: “Everything surrounding leadership requires further development and experience, and that’s perfectly normal and a good thing. We hope he will be a key player for Liverpool for many years to come.”.

League challenges and Endo's injury

These discussions about the future come at a time when Liverpool are suffering from inconsistent results in the league, with the team in sixth place, a significant 17 points behind leaders Arsenal, making the focus on domestic cups and building a team for the future.

Meanwhile, the team is still awaiting a final diagnosis of the foot injury suffered by Japanese international Wataru Endo, the tenacious midfielder who has also been forced to play at right-back due to the team's injury woes. Despite only making 12 appearances, mostly as a substitute, Van Dijk emphasized his importance, saying: “It’s a huge shame. Endo is a very respected and important player, and one of the leaders who guides by example and hard work. It’s a big blow for us, but we hope his absence won’t be long, although the indications suggest he will need some time to recover.”.

Saudi football fans, and Al-Ittihad fans in particular, are anxiously awaiting the next few hours, as private sources have revealed to "Al-Midan Al-Riyadi" crucial developments regarding the participation of French star Moussa Diaby, the winger of Al-Ittihad's first football team, in the upcoming top match against their traditional rival, Al-Hilal.

According to informed sources, Al-Ittihad's medical staff is working against the clock to get the player fit. Moussa Diaby is scheduled to undergo a final and decisive medical examination within the next few hours. The results of this examination will definitively determine his availability for the upcoming derby match, given the injury that recently sidelined him and kept him out of Al-Ittihad's recent domestic and continental competitions.

Moussa Diaby is currently undergoing intensive treatment and rehabilitation sessions under the supervision of the club's medical staff, in an effort to be fit for the Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match, which will be held at the Kingdom Arena as part of the Roshan Professional League. These intensive efforts stem from the significant technical value the player brings to Al-Ittihad's attack, especially in high-stakes matches that demand individual brilliance and rapid attacking transitions.

The importance of El Clásico and the impact of absences

The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match holds exceptional importance, transcending the mere three-pointer; it is the "Saudi Arabian football classic," attracting widespread regional and international attention. The match comes at a crucial juncture in the Roshan League, with each team striving to assert its dominance and solidify its position in the standings. The absence of a player of Moussa Diaby's caliber may necessitate significant tactical changes for the coach, given the player's playmaking abilities and his threat to the opposing goal.

Asian morale boost for Al-Ittihad

Al-Ittihad enters the Clasico with high morale, drawing confidence from their resounding victory in their last appearance. The team achieved a crushing 4-1 win against Qatari side Al-Sadd at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in the AFC Champions League. This impressive continental victory has given the team a tremendous morale boost, which they aim to capitalize on against Al-Hilal, awaiting the return of Diaby to full fitness.

As part of the intensive preparations for the 23rd round of the Roshan Professional League, Al-Hilal's star player Karim Benzema spoke about his physical and mental readiness during the holy month of Ramadan, ahead of the anticipated fiery encounter between his team and Al-Ittihad at the "Kingdom Arena" stadium next Friday.

In exclusive statements shared by the club's official account, Benzema confirmed that fasting gives him an extra incentive to excel, saying, "My performance is better during Ramadan. Ramadan makes me more focused and increases my strength and enthusiasm, praise be to God." These statements underscore the deep spiritual connection the player feels during the holy month and how this positively impacts his performance on the pitch, a phenomenon observed among many Muslim players in leagues around the world.

The importance of El Clásico and its impact on the league

This match holds special significance, not only because it pits the two giants of Saudi football against each other in a classic encounter eagerly anticipated by fans across the Arab world, but also because it comes at a crucial juncture in the league season. Historically, matches between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are among the most intense in the region, always characterized by fierce competition and huge fan excitement. This particular match is seen as a pivotal turning point in the league standings, as each team strives to assert its dominance and delight its supporters during these Ramadan nights.

Benzema facing his former team

The match holds special significance for Karim Benzema, as he will lead Al-Hilal's attack against Al-Ittihad in his first encounter with his former club since joining the Saudi giants on a free transfer. All eyes will be on the French star to see how he handles the pressure of such a high-stakes game, especially as fans are counting on him to decide the outcome thanks to his extensive experience in European and international football.

Technical and physical preparations

On the technical front, Al-Hilal enters the match with high morale after their recent 2-1 victory over Al-Wahda of the UAE, giving the team a significant morale boost. The team resumed training today in preparation for the upcoming match, with the coaching staff focusing on capitalizing on the players' excellent physical condition, particularly Benzema, who has shown great enthusiasm for playing in the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan.

The timing of major matches with the month of Ramadan always gives a distinctive character to the Saudi League, as the stands become crowded with fans and the competition reaches its peak, which promises a rich football confrontation befitting the reputation of Saudi football and its rapid development that has attracted the world’s attention.