Arne Slot has made a bold comparison that sums up just how highly he rates Dominik Szoboszlai’s recent performances for Liverpool.
Speaking in his pre-Manchester City press conference, our head coach admitted the Hungarian’s form has reached a new level, even by his already “outstanding” standards.
The No.8 has been central to our back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, providing the assist for Alexis Mac Allister’s decisive goal against the Spanish giants.
When it was suggested that Szoboszlai’s display on Tuesday night was one “Steven Gerrard would have been proud of”, Slot smiled: “That’s probably the best compliment he can get!”
Szoboszlai’s outstanding season under Slot
Slot went on to praise the midfielder’s consistency since the start of the campaign.
“I think he’s been outstanding throughout the whole season but these two games brought even more out of the team and out of him,” the Dutchman said, via Empire of the Kop.
“For me, for obvious reasons; but it’s maybe smarter not to say those reasons because I don’t want to say the same things over and over again, and you probably know what I mean without me saying it?
“I think Dom has a lot, a lot, a lot of qualities but one of them is also his work without the ball.
“And his work without the ball was… I like his work without the ball every single game and in the last two games that was probably even above his own standards.”
The hard graft out of possession is exactly what Virgil van Dijk highlighted after the Madrid win when he said Szoboszlai’s “energy on the pitch is incredible”, encouraging him to “keep doing it for the rest of the season.”
The Hungarian’s rise continues amid contract talks
Szoboszlai’s form comes at an interesting time, with reports on Thursday suggesting that “preliminary discussions” have begun over a potential new deal at Anfield.
Already on five assists and two goals from 15 starts this term, the 25-year-old is now matching his creative output with leadership and work rate – two traits that defined Gerrard at his peak.
After that Real Madrid performance – described by Opta Analyst as “dominant” – it’s no wonder Slot and his staff see a player capable of carrying this Liverpool side into another title race.
And as we head to the Etihad this weekend, it feels like the perfect time for the No.8 to show again exactly why his manager can’t stop talking about him.
You can watch Slot’s comments on Szoboszlai via Empire of the Kop on YouTube:
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When Liverpool bought Wirtz, there was speculation Szoboslai would be ousted by Wirtz. Perhaps this ignited the fire in Szoboslai to show everyone what he can do and he has indeed cemented his place in the team. I don’t know if he is as good as Gerrard but he is currently indispensable. Won’t be surprised the big teams will be looking to poach him if he continues his performance for the whole season.
You may be right if Dom keeps on keeping on, he’s certainly risen to the occasion and worked for the team to dig us out the mini-slump.
He did make a huge personal commitment to come to Liverpool though.
The other signing of Kerkez shows LFC are taking an interest in talent from that part of Europe.
As for comparisons, he possesses Gerrard-like attributes for sure, but Stevie dragged a team to the highest level.
Dom’s in a better team, so he’s got to take a backseat (which he has filling in at RB) now and again so others can shine.
Re. The Wirtz issue.
I wonder if there’s parallels with Gerrard/Lampard issue that England only solved when they played Gareth Barry to stay back covering.
Playing Wirtz on the left could be answer, but the main point is it gives Arne options against any opposition that varies its strategy.
Personally, I get the feeling he’s happy here for the long-term, but one never knows, I suppose.
The business side may kick in and if we think we have a younger equivalent available a huge fee, along with his wishes for something new could facilitate a move.