Last season’s title-winning season saw Szoboszlai as a key cog in Arne Slot’s system, occupying the No. 10 role.
His tireless work rate and ability to press high up the pitch were crucial in winning the ball in dangerous areas of the opposition’s half.
16 goal contributions was an improvement on his 11 from his debut season two years ago, but many Liverpool fans have questioned whether his output should be higher.
Reds yearning for the Szobo of old
After an electric start that earned him the club’s Player of the Month award in August 2023, the Hungarian captain never quite rediscovered the same form to make him the face of Liverpool’s midfield.
This has instead been taken by the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and the leading contender for Liverpool’s vice-captaincy, Alexis Mac Allister.
For context, Szoboszlai produced an average of 4.8 shot-creating actions in the first two months of his career at Anfield.
In comparison, he averaged 3.3 for the whole of the 2024/25, and while this is not a steep drop-off, it is highly indicative that Slot did not trust the Hungarian in the long-term as a No. 10.
The arrival of the highly coveted Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen also served as a caveat for Szoboszlai’s previously uncontested position at Liverpool.
With Wirtz now assigned as Liverpool’s chief creator, it appears that Szoboszlai’s Liverpool future lies deeper in midfield.
Liverpool’s true No.8?
In the first half of a pre-season friendly against AC Milan, Szoboszlai lined up in a double pivot, alongside Tyler Morton.
While Morton acted as the deep-lying playmaker in the side, receiving the ball from Liverpool’s centre-backs during buildup, it was Szoboszlai’s responsibility to progress the ball up the pitch.
His powerful, driving runs are a key attribute to his game, and they were utilised very well against the Italian side as the Hungarian displayed positive intent whenever he received the ball.
As expected, the Reds dominated possession against Milan, with wingers Mo Salah and Rio Ngumoha key to creating openings.
But it was Szoboszlai who was patiently waiting on the edge of the box to act when required, and act he did when Ngumoha slipped him the ball for a brilliant curled effort that beat Mike Maignan to make it 1-1.
The Hungarian was also key on the counterattack, with his late runs proving useful as he would often look to thread the final ball or go for goal himself.
Defensive duties
Szoboszlai produced a man-of-the-match performance against Athletic Club in the second of two friendlies at Anfield, dictating the play in the absence of Alexis Mac Allister.
The midfielder made 4/5 successful long balls as well as maintaining an 89% passing accuracy, one of which released Hugo Ekitike, whose cutback created the first goal for Mo Salah.
The Hungarian also impressed on the defensive side, expertly evading a two-man press to turn out of a tight space to lay off the ball that led to the side’s winning goal in the second half.
Despite only winning 43% of his ground duels, he more than made up for it with 10 recoveries across 90 minutes.
Behind in the pecking order
Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace highlighted a number of issues that Slot needs to solve if the Reds are to retain the Premier League title.
One of which is the gaping hole in the midfield when facing an opposing counterattack.
In the second half at Wembley, Szoboszlai was left isolated when scanning for options, and his wayward pass was pounced on by Adam Wharton, one of four Palace players surrounding the Hungarian.
Liverpool’s lack of control in the midfield was not helped by the absence of Ryan Gravenberch, but it does also highlight some holes in Szoboszlai’s game when playing against quality opposition.
While Szoboszlai was very much the engine last season, behind him was the conductor, Alexis Mac Allister, who, in tandem, ran the midfield alongside the sleek Ryan Gravenberch.
Together, they possess the right amount of control, precision, and guile to guide Liverpool to multiple honours this season, and Szoboszlai’s challenge will be displacing the dynamic duo in the side.
Concluding thoughts
Dominik Szoboszlai has the skillset to become a mainstay in Liverpool’s midfield, and he has shown on many occasions over the summer that he can lead by example.
Ultimately, his attributes displayed in the Premier League appear to suit him deeper in midfield, rather than further forward, and Slot will be careful in selecting which opponents best suit him.
The Hungarian has some work to do in evading the press deeper in the pitch, which would naturally be uncharted territory for him, as well as bolstering his defensive skills.
But Szoboszlai’s character will shine through this season, and Liverpool are likely to need him more than fans may think, which will serve as perfect motivation for the No.8.