Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who recently scored in Leipzig’s German Cup final victory, has officially joined Liverpool in a £60m deal. With his versatility and skills, where will he fit in at his new club?
Although primarily a central midfielder, the 22-year-old has spent most of his time in the Bundesliga playing on the wing. In the previous season, he recorded six goals and eight assists, earning praise from his former manager, who compared him to Erling Haaland in terms of talent.
According to Hungarian journalist Aron Aranyossy, Szoboszlai’s work-rate, energy, and playing style make him an ideal fit for Jurgen Klopp’s team. Aranyossy expects him to provide excellent through balls to Mohamed Salah, adding a refreshing presence to Liverpool’s midfield. Szoboszlai’s ability to carry and distribute the ball with composure, combined with his decision-making and tactical awareness, makes him a valuable addition to the squad.
Liverpool may choose to deploy Szoboszlai in midfield, but given his time on the wing last season, it is easier to compare his statistics with the club’s forwards. Among Liverpool’s forwards, only Salah had a higher combined total of goals and assists in the league last season, albeit with fewer minutes played. Szoboszlai’s goal or assist rate per 90 minutes falls behind Salah, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz. However, this discrepancy can be attributed to differences in playing style and tactics. Despite fewer touches in the box, Szoboszlai created more chances than his forward counterparts.
Standing at 6ft 1in, Szoboszlai possesses excellent technical skills and is also a proficient set-piece taker. The prospect of having both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Szoboszlai on the field for free-kicks and corners adds an intriguing dynamic to Liverpool’s attack. Aranyossy emphasizes that Szoboszlai is not selfish and is capable of thriving under pressure during crucial matches.
Szoboszlai’s career thus far has been primarily with Red Bull clubs, where he scored 42 goals and provided 45 assists in 125 games for Salzburg and their reserve team, Liefering. He joined Leipzig in January 2021 and scored 20 goals across two seasons. His impressive performance included the winning goal in Leipzig’s 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Cup final. Former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, who managed Szoboszlai at Salzburg and Leipzig, has praised his talent, comparing him to Erling Haaland.
In his two full Bundesliga seasons, Szoboszlai ranked among the top players in terms of chances created per 90 minutes. He was also among the leaders in chances created from open play, including final shots. Additionally, only Leroy Sane attempted more shots from outside the box than Szoboszlai’s 36.
Aranyossy describes Szoboszlai as determined, confident, and competitive. His strong work ethic and fearlessness in facing tough opponents make him an exceptional player who always gives his best, even on off-days.
As Liverpool fans anticipate Szoboszlai’s debut, his arrival promises to enhance the team’s dynamics and contribute to their attacking prowess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Liverpool, Dominik Szoboszlai, signing, versatility, creativity, Bundesliga, pressure
How much did Liverpool pay for the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai?
Liverpool paid £60 million for the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai from Leipzig.
What position does Dominik Szoboszlai play?
Dominik Szoboszlai is a Hungarian midfielder who can play in central midfield and has also spent time on the wing.
How did Dominik Szoboszlai perform in the Bundesliga last season?
In the previous Bundesliga season, Dominik Szoboszlai scored six goals and provided eight assists.
How does Dominik Szoboszlai compare to Liverpool’s forwards in terms of goals and assists?
Among Liverpool’s forwards, only Mohamed Salah had a higher combined total of goals and assists in the league last season compared to Dominik Szoboszlai. However, considering minutes played, Salah had a better goal or assist rate per 90 minutes.
What are some of Dominik Szoboszlai’s strengths as a player?
Dominik Szoboszlai possesses strengths such as versatility, creativity, work-rate, energy, decision-making, and tactical awareness. He is known for his ability to carry and distribute the ball, as well as providing through balls. He is also a set-piece specialist and has the ability to thrive under pressure.
What has been Dominik Szoboszlai’s career progression so far?
Dominik Szoboszlai has played for Red Bull clubs, including Salzburg and Leipzig. He scored 42 goals and made 45 assists in 125 games for Salzburg and their reserve team before joining Leipzig in January 2021. He has also represented the Hungarian national team, scoring seven goals in 32 caps.
What do experts say about Dominik Szoboszlai’s talent?
Former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, who managed Dominik Szoboszlai at Salzburg and Leipzig, has praised his talent, comparing him to Erling Haaland. Other experts have highlighted his creativity, technical skills, determination, and competitive nature.
More about Liverpool, Dominik Szoboszlai, signing, versatility, creativity, Bundesliga, pressure
- Liverpool completes £60m signing of Dominik Szoboszlai
- Dominik Szoboszlai’s career statistics
- Dominik Szoboszlai compared to Liverpool’s forwards
- Interview with Hungarian journalist Aron Aranyossy
- Jesse Marsch’s comments on Dominik Szoboszlai
5 comments
wow! £60m 4 szoboszlai?? that’s a lot of money! i hope he lives up 2 the hype. but salah is still the main man at liverpool, no doubt about it!
loving the fact that szoboszlai is a set-piece specialist. imagine him teaming up with trent for free-kicks and corners! gonna give us an edge in attack. can’t wait 4 the season 2 start!
liverpool’s new signing dominik szoboszlai seems like a gr8 addition 2 the team! can’t wait 2 c him playin in the midfield. hope he feeds salah sum amazing through balls! #YNWA
szoboszlai’s versatility is a huge asset 4 klopp. he can play in the middle or on the wing. and his creativity will add a new dimension 2 our attack. excited 2 c him in action!
interesting stats on szoboszlai! even tho he played more mins, salah had a better goal/assist rate. but szoboszlai’s chances created r impressive. could b a game-changer 4 us.