How Szoboszlai emerged as Liverpool’s driving force

By Martin Graham

Ink on Dominik Szoboszlai’s forearm carries a Hungarian phrase that interprets to: “Expertise is a divine blessing, however with out unbelievable will and humility, it’s value nothing.” The road is attributed to Steven Gerrard, a determine whose legacy looms giant at Anfield.

When Szoboszlai joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £60m, he intentionally selected the quantity eight shirt, lengthy related to Gerrard. Earlier that summer time, Alexis Mac Allister had handed on the chance to put on it, however Szoboszlai embraced the symbolism and accountability that got here with it.

Now 25, the Hungary worldwide has develop into central to Liverpool’s marketing campaign. He not too long ago registered his tenth purpose of the season and has added seven assists, underlining his rising affect in entrance of the purpose.

When requested whether or not he was having fun with a “Steven Gerrard season,” Szoboszlai rejected the comparability, insisting he’s carving out his personal path reasonably than replicating anybody else’s story.

Decisive contributions amid uncertainty

Solely Hugo Ekitike has been concerned in additional Liverpool targets this time period, whereas captain Virgil van Dijk is the one participant to have logged extra minutes than Szoboszlai. Mohamed Salah, a detailed companion off the pitch, has described him as “probably the greatest gamers on the planet proper now.”

Though he prefers working as a quantity 10, Szoboszlai has featured in different roles this season and nonetheless delivered, together with putting spectacular free kicks towards Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis in matches the place he started at right-back. His consistency and finish product have noticeably improved.

This progress has come throughout a turbulent interval for the membership, with ongoing dialogue across the futures of Salah and defenders Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson. Szoboszlai himself has simply over two years remaining on the five-year contract he signed in 2023, making his scenario a precedence.

Stories in Spain cited Hungary coach Marco Rossi as saying the midfielder’s dream is to play for Actual Madrid, whereas Actual’s Vinicius Jr has named Szoboszlai amongst his closest associates outdoors the Spanish membership. Nonetheless, talks over a brand new Liverpool deal have begun, and Szoboszlai not too long ago expressed his affection for each town and the membership. His agent, Matyas Esterhazy, acknowledged on Hungarian tv that the participant is just not in search of a switch.

Management qualities nonetheless growing

These across the squad describe Szoboszlai as intensely pushed, regularly among the many first to report for coaching and close to the highest of the workforce’s bodily metrics. No Liverpool participant has lined extra floor this season.

In a membership video, Milos Kerkez joked that if Szoboszlai had not develop into a footballer, he might need been a 400m runner, claiming he may “jog from Liverpool to Hungary and never get drained.” His stamina and dedication have develop into defining options of his sport.

Salah’s exacting requirements are mentioned to have had a powerful impression on him. The pair spend time collectively away from soccer, typically enjoying backgammon and visiting one another’s houses.

When Barnsley supervisor Conor Hourihane labelled him “disrespectful” for trying a backheel in his personal penalty space that resulted in a mistake and a purpose, Szoboszlai publicly defended himself. Supervisor Arne Slot additionally addressed the matter privately.

Szoboszlai, who grew to become Hungary captain at 22, is seen by Liverpool as a possible future skipper. With vice-captain Robertson anticipated to go away in the summertime and Van Dijk’s contract working till 2027, that pathway exists.

Slot believes he already leads by actions however says the following section is turning into extra vocal, notably when in comparison with Van Dijk. The Dutch defender, now 34, benefited from studying alongside figures akin to James Milner and Jordan Henderson, and Slot sees that mentorship as helpful for Szoboszlai’s growth.

Development by setbacks and maturity

Throughout his first season at Liverpool, which marked Jurgen Klopp’s closing 12 months on the membership, Szoboszlai endured a tough outing at Luton and at one level kicked a ball out of the stadium in frustration. By the shut of that marketing campaign, he had misplaced his place within the beginning XI.

Fairly than stall his progress, that interval appeared to make clear what was required to thrive within the Premier League. He returned the next summer time decided to reply and has since been ever-present below Slot.

The 12 months 2025 introduced vital private milestones as he grew to become a husband, a father, and a Premier League champion. He has already surpassed his minutes tally from 2023-24 and is simply 302 minutes wanting matching the entire from the earlier season.

Van Dijk believes there’s additional room for development, notably by way of vocal authority throughout the squad, however views that as a constructive signal. When Klopp secured his signature after spectacular spells at Purple Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, he described the transfer as one for each the current and the longer term.

Liverpool’s job now could be to make sure that the prediction continues to carry true.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author