Dominik Szoboszlai has ruffled many feathers of Liverpool fans amidst his recent comments regarding Hungary’s Euro campaign.
The 23-year old midfielder has been a key addition at Anfield restoring the creativity for the Reds. Especially, after Thiago Alcantara’s constant injury struggles. The Hungarian joined Anfield for a £60 million fee in 2023 on a five year contract.
He began his senior career at Liefering in 2017 and spent one season at the club. Thereafter, he made a move to RB Salzburg in 2018. Szoboszlai enjoyed a lot of success winning the Austrian Bundesliga for 4 consecutive years from 2018 to 2021. Moreover, the 23-year old also won the Austrian Cup for 3 consecutive years from 2019 to 2021.
Subsequently, the midfielder would make a move to the Bundesliga joining RB Leipzig. The Hungarian would go on to win 2 DFB Pokals with Leipzig in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Dominik Szoboszlai has been at Liverpool for only one season so far. He has made 45 appearances for the Reds scoring 7 goals. The 23-year old made his debut for the Reds against Chelsea.
The Hungarian started playing for the national team in 2016 joining the U17 squad. Szoboszlai won his first senior national cap in 2019. He has already won 43 caps for Hungary scoring 12 goals.
Additionally, the Hungarian became the youngest captain in EURO history at the age of 23.
What did Szoboszlai say?
Despite assisting Barnabas Varga to keep Hungary in contention against Switzerland, Szoboszlai ended up on the losing side. The Swiss beat Hungary 3-1 in the first game for both the sides in the coveted competition.
Before the game, Dominik Szoboszlai went on to say that he was content with limited playing time at Liverpool during the final few games. Furthermore, he added that reduced gametime also helped the midfielder prevent injury and focus more on the EURO. Szoboszlai stated:
“I usually think positively, so it didn’t bother me that I played a smaller role at Liverpool at the end of the season. At least the chance of injury was lower and I could focus on the European Championship earlier.”
Szoboszlai believes that he had a difficult first season at Anfield and is keen on improving in the upcoming seasons. However, several Liverpool fans believe that the Hungarian’s comments were out of order. Moreover, they were hoping that the midfielder was misinterpreted during translation! One fan wrote online:
“Hope that’s been translated wrong, because that statement is absolutely embarrassing if that’s what he actually said.”
How important is Dominik Szoboszlai for Liverpool?
Szoboszlai was good in his first season overall considering he also suffered minor setbacks during the campaign. Henceforth, missing out the final few games of the season as a starter.
Regardless, Szoboszlai works great as a box-to-box midfielder. Furthermore, he is a very technical player and his fluidity in midfield makes him more valuable. Additionally, the 23-year old is currently regarded as Hungary’s best player.
Albeit a little extreme, however, Szoboszlai has already drawn comparisons with the legendary Ferenc Puskas. He has already won the Hungarian Golden Ball in 2020. Moreover, the midfielder also gained recognition as Hungarian Sportsman of the Year in 2020 and 2023.
Considering Thiago’s departure from Anfield, Szoboszlai could be a good fit for the veteran Spaniard. Also, Szoboszlai is more than capable of leading a lineup despite his young age as seen with the Hungarian team. Liverpool may also find a leader within him.
Dominik Szoboszlai plays with more freedom in the national team under Marco Rossi. If Arne Slot is able to offer something similar to the Hungarian at Liverpool, the 23-year old may prove to be invaluable for the Reds.
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