Dominik Szoboszlai - An Hungarian Magician for Liverpool FC
12 Jul, 2023
5 Min Read
Jurgen Klopp’s side signed one of the highest-rated players in Europe, with a multifaceted skill set that will surely help the Reds.
Wanting to reinforce their offensive ranks this summer, there's no denying Liverpool's signing of Dominik Szoboszlai helps do precisely that.
Having starred for RB Leipzig over the course of the last two seasons, where he established himself as one of the elite operators in the Bundesliga, the Hungarian arrives with plenty of elite experience not only at club level, but also on the international scene, where the Magyars captain has already earned 32 caps.
Becoming the Reds' fourth most expensive signing ever courtesy of his £60 million fee, it'll be unmissable watching how he handles the pressure and weight of expectation that inherently comes in a deal of this magnitude.
But given what a multifaceted skill set he possesses, what an ideal fit for Jurgen Klopp's plans he is and that he's still so young, it'd take a brave man to bet against him being a hit on Merseyside.
While Klopp was clearly delighted when speaking on his new recruit, it was interesting to see him state that he'll manage the 22-year-old in a patient and considered fashion while he gets up to speed and settles into his new environment.
"Dominik is still a very young player. He has so much development ahead of him and this means it makes sense for us all to be patient and to give him the time and space to allow his talent to come through within our team. There is no pressure, though," insisted the German.
"The good thing is we have supporters who understand this process. I know the fans are as excited as we are but I am also aware, because I have seen it many times already, that they will be a massive help to us in terms of creating the conditions that will allow Dominik to thrive.
"From the clubs he has been at, the leagues he has played in and the family he is part of, it is very clear that he has already had an outstanding football education, so our responsibility now is to continue this education with him as part of the Liverpool family."
Set to really excite on the attacking end, the supporters will be in for a real treat witnessing him weaving his magic here, for he can hurt foes in a multiplicity of ways.
An absolutely exceptional ball striker with an unmistakable technique that allows him to impart whip, dip, swerve and immense power depending on the situation, this makes him a massive weapon when in scoring range and from set-pieces in particular.
Proving what a threat he is when a shooting opportunity presents itself using all parts of his foot, watch for his venomous blasts to bring much impetus even if he does tend to unleash some low percentage efforts.
Showing fantastic coordination, confidence and timing, this aspect transfers over smoothly to his crossing as well, for he wraps his foot around his deliveries nicely to pinpoint targets.
Szoboszlai's vision, awareness and execution also ensures he can engage in crafty combination play, feed runners with measured through balls and hit penetrative line breaking passes to feet.
Indeed, his chance creation and ball progression powers are aptly illustrated by the fact he ranks so highly in a range of metrics related to this in the Bundesliga (as seen in the graphics below).
A competent dribbler and ball carrier with a clean first touch and close control, this adds to his worth, for the balanced maestro, who has underrated speed and strength, can wriggle away from danger and use slick feints and shimmies to gain the separation he needs to threaten (mostly through his cuts infield to shoot).
Intelligent and quick to identify spaces to exploit centrally between the lines, out wide, in the half spaces and inside the box, watch for him to be a menace to keep tabs on like he was with Leipzig.
Instinctive and attentive to vacant spaces, plus knowing when to interchange positions and when to form numerical and positional superiorities, the Hungarian chooses his moments wisely when to make his move.
Always eager to supply teammates with an option, his smart buzzing within the final third also sees him make nifty runs into the area and down the channels, where his ability to hold his runs and angle his bursts are real highlights.
Contributing considerably on the defensive end, his tireless work ethic, expert knowledge of pressing mechanics that he's gained over the years in the Red Bull framework and tenacity will have further endeared him to Klopp.
Such an effective presser, counterpresser and ball recoverer, his aptitude here should help him hit the ground running, for he'll need minimal time adjusting to Klopp's stopping demands.
Knowing when to respond to specific triggers, how to angle his harrying and capable of performing dual roles, the ultra-fit dynamo has all the ingredients Liverpool look for in their attackers out of possession.
Robust in the tackle and making full use of his long legs to reach in and rangy arms to unbalance foes, opponents will need to be wary of his penchant for forcing turnovers to generate good chances for the Merseyside giants.
"He's a very technical player, very easy on the eye, quite tall as well, so he looks imposing. He's always busy and good out of possession, very hard-working – something that he had to adapt when he moved to the Red Bull group – and he has a great shot with a lovely delivery from free-kicks. He's a great technical attacking midfielder. I would say that's probably the best description," Bundesliga expert Raphael Honigstein aptly explained to Liverpool's official website.
Offering Klopp the choice to deploy him wide or centrally in a variety of roles and with the mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest level, there's every reason to suggest he'll be an astute acquisition.
Ready to impact now, but also with immense scope for improvement, the upsides attached to this transfer are easy to see both with the eye and in the numbers.
Primed to elevate his game to the next level at Liverpool on his path to becoming a bonafide star, Szoboszlai won't get carried away, for he knows the challenge that lies ahead of proving himself in the Premier League is nothing to be sneezed at.
Chomping at the bit to make his debut and to play in front of the diehard Liverpool fans at Anfield, the supporters should be in for a real treat keeping track of his progress, as the exciting maestro is almost guaranteed to give them plenty to cheer about.
He's just that good.
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