Liverpool manager Arne Slot was full of praise for midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai following the Reds’ dominant 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday. While Cody Gakpo stole headlines with two goals and an assist, Slot chose to highlight Szoboszlai’s contributions, emphasizing the Hungarian’s growing importance to the team.
Szoboszlai’s Impact
Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a well-taken goal, his third of the season, and played a more advanced role against Ipswich. He led the game in shots with four, showcasing his willingness to take responsibility in attacking positions.
Slot noted that Szoboszlai’s decision-making has evolved, with the midfielder now balancing his playmaking instincts with a more direct approach to goal.
“At the beginning of the season, he would have played that ball to Mo [Salah], which most of the time was a very good choice because Mo can definitely score a goal as well. Now, he decided to go for the goal himself and scored the goal himself,” Slot explained.
Work Ethic and Underrated Value
Slot was particularly keen to address what he sees as a lack of recognition for Szoboszlai’s all-around contributions. He lauded the midfielder’s tireless work rate and ability to maintain high-intensity performances throughout matches.
“In my opinion, he is a bit underestimated. Not by me, but he doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. His work-rate is unbelievable. He just keeps on running with the highest intensity, and that is so important for a team that wants to compete for something,” Slot emphasized.
A Key Role Moving Forward
With Curtis Jones sidelined due to injury, Szoboszlai appears set for an extended run in the starting lineup. Slot hinted at the Hungarian’s growing influence, suggesting he is becoming a vital cog in Liverpool’s midfield as the team pushes for success on multiple fronts.
“It’s nice for him to get that goal. He’s very important for this team, not just for his attacking contributions but for the energy and effort he brings every game,” Slot added.
Liverpool’s Continued Improvement
Szoboszlai’s rise comes as Liverpool hit their stride, with the team creating a record-breaking 37 shots in their previous game against Brentford. Slot credited the entire squad for creating better opportunities for their attacking players, enabling talents like Szoboszlai to thrive.
Conclusion
While Gakpo’s performance against Ipswich drew most of the attention, Slot’s glowing remarks about Szoboszlai underscore the midfielder’s growing stature at Anfield. With his blend of creativity, work ethic, and goal-scoring ability, Szoboszlai is quickly becoming a key figure in Liverpool’s quest for silverware this season.
