After coming in for criticism of late, Dominik Szoboszlai was outstanding in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Bologna, with fans saying he was “two players at once.”
Szoboszlai has been one of Arne Slot‘s most-used players so far, starting eight of the new head coach’s nine games in charge, but his performances have not always been appreciated.
A lack of goals and assists from his position as No. 10 has been held up as a concern among supporters, with it unclear exactly what he is required to do.
But the 23-year-old produced the perfect response against Bologna on Wednesday night, adding an assist to his tally in an all-action display.
Per FotMob, Szoboszlai won six of his eight ground duels as well as completing three of his four attempted dribbles – behind only Luis Diaz for both, with a significantly higher success rate.
It caught the eye of supporters, with many noting on Twitter that the Hungarian had defied his critics and added more cutting edge to his relentless pressing game.
Gravenberch was superb yet again – what a season he is having – but word of praise for Szoboszlai too.
He's the current whipping boy because there ALWAYS apparently has to be one, but thought he was immense all evening.
Brilliant player.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) October 2, 2024
He's faced a lot of (I think unfair) criticism of late but I thought Dominik Szoboszlai was excellent tonight. He constantly plugs gaps in Liverpool's midfield and was as relentless as ever off the ball here, but he also combined that with a bit more care in the final third.
— David Lynch (@davidlynchlfc) October 2, 2024
I’m over the hate on Szoboszlai.
Got an assist and worked his absolute socks off today, only for a bunch of people on here to say he was bad?
Come on man, open your eyes.
— ?????? (@WilcoFtbl) October 2, 2024
If you doubt Szoboszlai you don’t know football
— CF Comps (@CF_Compss) October 2, 2024
Szoboszlai is the most underrated player in this Liverpool team. His hold up play to keep possession just before the goal was insane. When he finds consistency he will be the best player in the league.
— ? (@pxdris) October 2, 2024
?? Dominik Szoboszlai has received some criticism lately but he was solid today.
– 5/7 ground duels won
– 2 chances created
– 2/3 dribbles completed
– 1 assist? Currently averaging a goal or assist 0.52 per 90 minutes. pic.twitter.com/zXb7y2RxQG
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) October 2, 2024
Szoboszlai is such a special footballer man.
Forget the height or his physicality for a sec: his first touch and cushioning on passes, his deft footwork to receive in tight positions…
He’s literally light years ahead of the previous “energy” component in our midfield.
— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) October 2, 2024
Man of the match is Dominic Szoboszlai today. Best player off the ball by far. Created some nice chances, looked very sharp and hungry. Big game for him that
— George Scaife (@Scaife51) October 2, 2024
Szoboszlai is so important to this team…look at what he’s doing on the pitch, no one else in our squad can replicate it, people seriously under value his place in the team and what he offers
— . (@_Riddock_) October 2, 2024
Szoboszlai is 2 players on the pitch at once. Never seen a player do as much running before. So so good.
— Slotty 2 Hotty (@ArneysReds) October 2, 2024
Dominik Szoboszlai was excellent tonight. MOTM contender for me.
Criticism was a bit over-the-top but he combined his usual industry with more creativity in this game.
— Jack Lusby (@LusbyJack) October 2, 2024
While Slot himself has stressed that Szoboszlai’s “numbers need to go up” in front of goal, the head coach clearly values what he offers without regularly scoring or assisting.
It is, in fact, a role similar to that seen in his first season at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, with both coaches cherishing his energy and pressing ability.
Szoboszlai only turned 23 in October and, despite his experience, should still be seen as a developing talent, which on the evidence of Wednesday’s performance can only be considered a huge positive.
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