A multi-talented star, Dominik Szoboszlai could be a game-changer for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.
Liverpool FC’s pursuit and capture of Hungarian superstar Dominik Szoboszlai sent shockwaves through the fanbase on Friday night. The 22-year-old has become the Reds’ second summer signing, following in the wake of Alexis Mac Allister.
In a summer where Jurgen Klopp and co. had no choice but to address the midfield’s deficiencies, they have gotten off to a promising start. If Mac Allister is the ball recycler they craved, Szoboszlai is the explosive attacker who can guarantee them creativity and goals from the middle of the part. Given that the Reds have lacked such a player since Philippe Coutinho left, the Hungarian’s arrival could hint at a shift of tactics at Anfield.
Having come through the Red Bull clubs, Szoboszlai will be fully acquainted with playing an attacking brand of football. The expectations at Liverpool will be higher, and he will have big boots to fill. Either way, the Reds have landed themselves a real baller who could become a fearsome opponent for rival clubs in the years to come.
An excellent dribbler who is not afraid to take a shot, the Hungarian skipper has excellent faith in his abilities to make a difference. Add to it his ability to cross and also take set pieces, he offers Klopp several options on how to best use his talents.
Such versatility is always a good thing when it comes to the German manager’s teams as he prefers his side to be free-flowing and able to cover for each other on the field. The Hard Tackle looks at three different ways Liverpool can line up next season with the Hungarian in their ranks.
The number 10 playmaker (3-4-3)
Perhaps for the first time since Philippe Coutinho left for Barcelona, Liverpool have not one but two serious options for the number 10 role. While Mac Allister can be expected to do a job there, Szoboszlai has that explosive talent that can make an instant impact.
Good at playing in between the lines and picking out a forward pass, the youngster has the eye needed to put the attackers in front of him into space. His ability to link up with players is an added bonus and will aid Liverpool’s free-flowing frontline.
With Roberto Firmino no more at the club, it will be interesting to see if Klopp will drop his false nine positions. With a number 10 now in the fray, the German tactician can opt to play Darwin Nunez up top without having to worry about him dropping back or moving outside on the right.
Szoboszlai has shown himself adept at creating space for others and also moving into channels. This adds a whole new dimension to the Liverpool attack given that they rarely received support from the midfield last season. Add to it his ability to have a pop at goal, and it is easy to see how the Hungarian can make opponent defences feel uneasy.
The 22-year-old can also shift out wide to the right in case Mohamed Salah drifts inside, giving the Egyptian more freedom to push forward without having to depend on Trent Alexander-Arnold on the overlap. This formation can come in handy especially if the Englishman is shifted into the midfield or plays as an inverted full-back.
Long have Liverpool’s front three have been praised for being extremely fluid, Klopp’s rebuild could see them shift to a fab four that is equally mobile and if anything far more dangerous. Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold’s ability to craft opportunities when used in tandem could overwhelmn the best defences, making life easier for the Liverpool front three.
A 3-4-3 formation could be the way forward here for the Reds. Whether they can deploy in this formation will depend a lot on whether Jurgen Klopp and co. bring in a new left-sided centre-back and perhaps a replacement for Fabinho.
Deploying three at the back should aid the Reds in playing Trent in midfield, where he can make better use of his passing range. The midfield four are likely to don the shape of a diamond with Szoboszlai being deploying furthest upfront. Fabinho or a new defensive midfielder can act as the midfield destroyer, winning back possession while Mac Allister and Trent occupy the wide areas. This leaves Szoboszlai to push forward through the centre and play between the lines.
The box-to-box role (RCM in a 4-3-3)
A high-energy player, Szoboszlai can also don the number eight role and play as a box-to-box midfielder. Possessing intelligence and pace, he is not just capable of getting forward but also has the awareness to track back and cover for the right-back.
Comfortable in central midfield, the Hungarian can replace Jordan Henderson at the right central midfield position, pulling the strings in midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister. With Mohamed Salah starting as the right winger and Trent Alexander-Arnold reprising his role at right-back, the Liverpool right-hand side could overwhelm most opposition defenses.
The fluidity the three could bring to the flank should draw more attention from the opposition defenders, opening up space for Andrew Robertson and Alexis Mac Allister to exploit the left-hand channel. Klopp could throw in another hammer by choosing to deploy Cody Gakpo in the fluid number nine role where he drops back, further freeing up space for Luis Diaz to exploit.
In many ways, one could argue that this formation will get the best out of Diaz, a player who will be expected to kick on now after having returned from injury. The 4-3-3 is a formation that the Reds have made their bread and butter under Klopp, and most players will already be aware of their roles without any major tactical shifts needed.
The Reds have lacked a player potent at both ends since the days of Steven Gerrard. While it is too early to compare Szoboszlai to the Liverpool legend, he certainly possesses similar traits which if well-honed could make a massive difference. This role will certainly ask more of Szoboszlai in terms of stamina and will depend on how well he can bulk up and adapt himself to the pace of the English game.
The backup right-winger (RW in a 4-3-3)
One major weakness in the Liverpool roster is the lack of an able deputy for Mohamed Salah on the right wing. While not a natural winger, Szoboszlai has donned the role before and can do the job in a pinch.
Blessed with pace and excellent crossing ability, the Hungarian has the traits to thrive out wide. His ability to leave a player for dead and also play efficient one-twos can open up space for him and Trent Alexander-Arnold to run into.
This versatility is very important given that Mohamed Salah will be away for AFCON 2024 next year. Ben Doak is not yet ready to become an undisputed starter, and this should see Szoboszlai roped in for the role.
With the 22-year-old unlikely to cut back into central areas, there is every reason to believe that the Hungarian will choose to spam the box with crosses, something he is very good at. This is good news for Nunez, who is excellent in the air and will be keen to rediscover his goalscoring touch. With the likes of Mac Allister pushing upfield, Liverpool also give themselves a solid chance of winning the second ball and restarting attacks.
Cody Gakpo is also capable of playing out wide on the right and could play at RCM instead of Jordan Henderson. The Dutchman and Szoboszlai can swap spots, making the most of their versatility and strengths depending on how the game pans out. Neither player is at their best in the role. But together, they could prove difficult to keep quiet.
While being deployed out wide is unlikely to be a common practice, Klopp and co. will be glad to have the option should the need arise.
