Arne Slot has delivered glowing praise for Dominik Szoboszlai ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup tie with Brighton, describing the Hungarian as “close to ridiculous” in terms of his overall qualities.
Speaking at the AXA Training Centre on Friday morning, via Liverpool FC on YouTube, the 47-year-old head coach was asked about the 25-year-old midfielder’s influence on this team.
Szoboszlai missed the 1-0 win over Sunderland through suspension and his absence was noticeable in terms of energy and pressing intensity, even though we secured all three points.
Slot was emphatic in his assessment: “I cannot stop talking about his qualities.
“Close to ridiculous, on and off the ball, work-rate another level, the intensity, he presses, unbelievable, technique, game insight, offensive midfielder, right-back, right winger, all these qualities in these positions, he has been vital for us this and last season. He will continue to be that for us.”
Why Szoboszlai has been vital for Liverpool
Those comments underline how central Dominik Szoboszlai has become to Liverpool’s structure, both in possession and without the ball.
In the Premier League this season, the Hungary international has started 24 matches, playing 2,153 minutes and averaging 90 minutes per game, according to Sofascore.
He has contributed four goals from an expected goals figure of 3.56, scored three direct free-kicks from ten attempts, and created five big chances, while also maintaining an 88% pass accuracy.
However, it is the intensity metrics that support Slot’s praise.
Szoboszlai averages 1.5 tackles per game, 5.2 ball recoveries and wins 3.6 duels per match, numbers which illustrate why his pressing has become such an important trigger in our system.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard recently suggested that Szoboszlai would “probably edge” Florian Wirtz in terms of our player of the season so far, reinforcing how highly he is regarded externally as well.
Versatility and reliability define Szoboszlai
Arne Slot’s reference to right-back and right winger was not accidental.
Paul Merson has argued that Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s best available right-back option when injuries have limited alternatives, which speaks volumes about the trust placed in his tactical understanding and physical capacity.
The midfielder combines technical quality with defensive responsibility, averaging 84.1 touches per game and 1.8 key passes, while still contributing defensively across multiple phases.
He has not been flawless, with two errors leading to shots and one red card this season, but the broader picture is one of dependability and output across 24 league starts.
With Liverpool sitting sixth in the Premier League on 42 points, chasing the Champions League places, Szoboszlai’s consistency will be essential in the weeks ahead.
Slot’s remarks make it clear that Dominik Szoboszlai is not simply a midfielder in this team, but one of its tactical cornerstones, valued for intensity, intelligence and versatility in equal measure.
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What was interesting is what slot said about the Brentford v Arsenal game, and what needs to change at Liverpool for us to challenge for the premier league next season. Slot said that almost every moment in the the brentford game was the importance of set pieces. He also said that you cannot expect to win the league with our poor record at set pieces.
I totally agree, I watched the brentford Arsenal game and it was one of the most physically demanding games I’ve ever seen in the premier league, most teams would have lost the way brentford played, it’s why Arsenal will win the league, a draw was a good result. Which begs the question about our recruitment last summer. The premier league hasn’t changed, it’s always been the most physical league in the world, set pieces have been vital at both ends.
Why did we buy frimpong, Kirkez, and wirtz for nearly 200 million when they are the three most lightweight players that you can buy. It’s going to make a difference playing these players at set pieces.
Salah, Alexis mac allister, and others as well.
Technically good players but we have an imbalance in the team and the squad, we wont win the premier league unless we bring in players who can defend set pieces, th balls and win the tackles in midfield.
450 million spent on players who won’t win the premier league, in my book that’s mismanagement, and no champions league the people responsible should all be sacked, starting with slot.