Liverpool’s Midfield Rebuild Takes Shape with Addition of Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool fans have been eagerly awaiting news of the club’s midfield rebuild this summer, and it seems that some clarity has finally emerged. With the recent addition of Dominik Szoboszlai, the team’s plans for the upcoming season are beginning to take shape.
The 22-year-old Hungarian midfielder appears to be a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s desired system. Szoboszlai has shown that he is well-suited to playing in the right-sided No.10 role of the box midfield, which Liverpool has been targeting. Even in his first interview with club media, Szoboszlai expressed his versatility and willingness to play in various positions: “Of course, attacking midfielder as a 10. I can play on both 10s, left, right, on the sides also. Just I want to play.”
Liverpool’s scouting team has been following Szoboszlai for a number of years and believes that he can bring pace and creativity to the team’s attacking third. In the 2022-23 season, he played on the right side of Marco Rose’s 4-2-2-2 system for Leipzig, showcasing his ability to adapt to different roles and systems. With his 10 goals and 13 assists in 46 appearances last season, Szoboszlai has certainly proven his worth as an attacking midfielder.
The addition of Alexis Mac Allister, another crucial signing for Liverpool this summer, further strengthens the team’s midfield options. Mac Allister is expected to operate alongside Szoboszlai, providing even more attacking prowess and creativity.
This summer has seen Liverpool focus on securing players who possess the right characteristics and fit into Klopp’s vision for the club’s future. Szoboszlai, with his youth, experience, leadership, and maturity, ticks all the boxes for what Liverpool is looking for.
The team’s midfield rebuild has been a top priority, especially after the struggles they faced last season. While Jordan Henderson was forced to fill in the right-sided No.10 role, it was clear that this position did not naturally suit his strengths. Henderson’s lack of creativity and goal contributions were more noticeable in a more advanced midfield role.
However, with the addition of Szoboszlai, Liverpool now has a player who can fill that position effectively. His ability to pull wide and create opportunities through crosses and intelligent deliveries make him the ideal candidate for the right-sided No.10 role in the box midfield.
Szoboszlai’s technical quality, quick feet, and ability to find pockets of space will undoubtedly bolster Liverpool’s attack. His high pressing and defensive metrics have also improved over time, making him a good fit for Klopp’s counter-pressing philosophy.
There is still some concern about the absence of Henderson’s reliable defensive presence on the right side. The protection in the right channel will need to be addressed, especially ahead of the right centre-back, Ibrahima Konate. However, with Szoboszlai’s athleticism and adaptability, he should be able to step up in this area and allow the likes of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold the freedom to perform.
Liverpool’s midfield puzzle is gradually coming together, and with the addition of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, Klopp now has two young and exciting footballers to mold into his vision for the club’s new era. As the team heads to their pre-season training camp in Germany, the focus will be on fine-tuning their midfield and ensuring that all pieces fit seamlessly into the larger tactical puzzle.
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