He's just like him! Liverpool's next Steven Gerrard is finally here

A new Liverpool star is here and he's ready to follow in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool's iconic former no. 8 embodied everything the club has always stood for.

He was a relentless competitor, an inspirational captain and a footballer capable of moments that few others could produce. There have been plenty of outstanding midfielders to wear the famous red shirt, but very few matched his blend of intensity, physicality and technical brilliance. That unique combination is what cemented his place among Liverpool's all-time greats.

His impact extended far beyond his individual talent. He could snap into challenges to win the ball back, dictate the rhythm of a game, surge through midfield with purpose and lift those around him when the pressure was at its greatest. When Liverpool needed someone to take responsibility, he was almost always the one to answer the call.

Time and again, he carried the team through difficult spells by sheer force of will. His leadership was unquestionable, but it was the quality he produced in decisive moments that truly defined his legacy.

Whenever the ball sat up for him outside the penalty area, there was a feeling that something special was about to happen. He struck the ball with remarkable power and precision, making thunderous long-range goals look almost effortless.

Whether rifling one into the top corner or bending a shot beyond the goalkeeper from distance, he possessed a rare ability to produce spectacular finishes.

Perhaps most importantly, those moments arrived on the biggest stages. His finest goals came in title races, unforgettable European nights and major cup finals, earning him a reputation as the player Liverpool could always rely on when the stakes were highest.

When you come through Liverpool’s academy as a midfielder, comparisons to the club’s greatest captain are almost unavoidable.

Over the years, countless young players have been labelled the “next Gerrard.” Names like Jay Spearing, Jordan Rossiter, and others all carried that expectation at one point or another.

But the reality is that nobody can truly replicate what Steven Gerrard achieved. His legacy at Liverpool stands alone, and for many supporters, he remains the club’s greatest-ever player.

Still, every now and then a young talent emerges who flashes qualities that spark memories of Gerrard at his best — the confidence, the intensity, the ability to take control of a game.

Players like Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold, both local lads with exceptional talent, brought that kind of excitement to supporters as they rose through the ranks.

And yet Liverpool's next Gerrard didn't come through the academy - he came through Salzburg's youth system.

Growing up in Hungary, Dominik Szoboszlai could only dream of the glitz and glamour of Champions League nights at Anfield. Then as a mere teenager, he achieved that dream playing for Red Bull Salzburg. By that time he had tattooed a quote attributed to Steven Gerrard on his forearm.

Later, he would sign for Liverpool and wear that famous no.8 shirt.

Since then he has started to establish himself as an elite midfielder and someone who can be relied on anywhere on the pitch.

Already he's starting to play like Gerrard. From the free-kick goals to the desire and energy that he produces on the pitch making him the most important player for the Reds.

But now in the pre-season friendly against Sunderland he wore the captain's armband for the first time and he put in a captain's performance.

A goal and a stunning strike to help Liverpool to victory. Szoboszlai is very much becoming the reincarnation of Gerrard. The former Liverpool captain's best performances for Liverpool started when he was 25-years-old, Szoboszlai is the same age now.

It's why Liverpool's peak next Gerrard is finally here, and why next season will be special.