Dominik Szoboszlai loves Anfield. Since he joined, he has repeatedly uttered a rendition that goes along the lines of ‘I can’t wait to play at Anfield’. On Saturday against Bournemouth, his wish finally came true. Now Anfield loves him. Yes, his performance was that special. His command and elegance in an adverse situation as Liverpool battled with ten players was significant in ensuring the Reds took the three points. In his first two Premier League appearances, the Hungarian captain has certainly shown why he is precisely the right signing as a number 8.
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Dominik Szoboszlai: Smooth Liverpool Start
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Tactical Versatility and Positional Fit
The Hungarian international has begun his career in the Premier League as the right-sided number 8. The initial intention from Jurgen Klopp may have been to play him as the left-sided number 8, a space in which he is comfortable for Hungary, however, the lack of a defensive midfielder meant Mac Allister had to slide into a number six role and Szoboszlai shifted over to the right side to accommodate for Cody Gakpo. However, this is not a foreign role – for RB Leipzig he was well-versed in occupying the right zone as a midfielder, while, he wasn’t a central midfielder and was a right-sided midfielder, his defensive responsibility was still high due to the highly aggressive pressing system enacted by Marco Rose.
As such, his positional fit has been seamless. He has displayed great versatility by playing a role that didn’t match his pre-season program. The Hungarian star’s value to the coherence of the 3-2-2-3 system in possession is immense. In particular, against Bournemouth, Liverpool displayed great attacking fluidity and awareness. At times, Trent Alexander-Arnold who is tasked to invert into a double pivot in possession, would run down the flanks playing more as a right wing-back.
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The experienced Hungarian international’s adjustment to allow for this role was immense as he shifted into a primarily central zone to adjust to a midfield that would fit in a 4-3-3 structure. Similarly, when Salah would occupy a position close to the by-line, he would shift into more central zones. When the Egyptian star was facing and attacking towards goal, Dominik Szoboszlai would provide the necessary width that the system requires. His ability to understand the nuance behind the system and his positional role has provided the Merseyside team with fluidity in possession.
Player Profile
The former Leipzig attacker’s seamless transition into the Premier League can majorly be put down to how his stylistic qualities are exactly what was required by the six-time Champions League winners. It is common knowledge that the Anfield side play a hyper-pressing system and that their dysfunctional and ageing midfield last season couldn’t live up to the expectations of that system. A midfielder in this system is expected to be highly involved in counter-pressing situations when the ball is lost and a great reader of pressing triggers to enact the high press in the right situation. Further, the ability to play in a settled three-man block is also necessary.
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Anfield’s new sensation certainly displayed these characteristics in his previous tenure. His proactivity in the press was highly noticeable, and further experience in a pressing system in the Bundesliga would’ve only enhanced those qualities.
Szoboszlai’s shooting quality is yet to be seen, however, he is certainly a player who can score world-class goals, but his salient quality is his passing ability. His vision is second to none and the technical prowess to execute the right passes for the situation has been a key part of his success in the opening of the Premier League.
Premier League Performances:
Work ethic. The new Reds signing has worked incredibly hard in both his performances against Chelsea and Bournemouth to ensure the midfield was held together. His involvement in tracking back to fill the gap on their right-hand side, an issue that has always plagued them, has been noteworthy. He has been proactive in ensuring he is in the right position in the settled midfield. While his progressive passing ability has been on full display. In the game against the Blues, perhaps he and Liverpool’s whole system was too direct and rushed, a testament to their 35% possession.
However, the German manager was adamant to put that right against Bournemouth and his new midfielder certainly helped. The most impressive part of his spell-binding performance at Anfield came after his Argentinian colleague was sent off and the one-time Premier League champions were scampering to hold onto a lead with ten men. He controlled the tempo of the game – finding every open space, taking the extra dribble, showing his technical superiority and displaying great chemistry with his vice-captain.
It was a testament to the former Salzburg player’s immense work ethic and fitness, he thrived in the final 30 minutes where Bournemouth were struggling to press and keep up with his levels, his energy and intensity were the impetus that drove Liverpool home.
The success of their new midfield signing has been the refreshing optimism that Anfield fans have desired amidst a difficult transfer window. In Szoboszlai, they certainly have a signing that fits in with the club culture and system.
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