Setting High Expectations: Dominik Szoboszlai’s Debut Season at Anfield
Dominik Szoboszlai arrived at Liverpool last summer with high hopes and the desire to make an immediate impact. The Hungary captain wasted no time showcasing his energy and dynamism in the midfield, which was something Jurgen Klopp’s side had been lacking. His performances in the early stages of the season were impressive, but unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse.
Injuries Plague Szoboszlai’s Season
Szoboszlai started in almost every match, except for eight, in the first 29 games of the season. However, his progress was hampered by two separate spells on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. These injuries kept him out of action for a total of 10 games. Since returning from these setbacks, Szoboszlai hasn’t been able to reach the same level of performance. This drop in output is not unique to Szoboszlai alone; several other players who returned from injury have struggled as well. In fact, Szoboszlai has only managed to complete 90 minutes on two occasions since March.
Managing Expectations
Reflecting on his debut season, Szoboszlai admits that he may have set the bar too high for himself. He acknowledges that there were matches where he couldn’t bring out his best and may have fallen short of his own expectations. In an interview with MLSZ TV, he states, “Perhaps I set the bar too high because I think there were certain matches where I couldn’t bring out the best in myself.” However, Szoboszlai remains resilient in the face of criticism and recognizes that these challenges are part of the game. He adds, “Or there are times when you don’t play well and in some people’s eyes you’re the worst player on the pitch, but it is not a problem because we get through these things together.”
Adapting to the Premier League
Szoboszlai also sheds light on the adjustments he had to make when transitioning from RB Leipzig to Liverpool. He emphasizes the increased pace of the Premier League, stating, “The (Premier League) is quicker, here you don’t have as much time to think as in the Bundesliga.” He further explains that in order to succeed in the Premier League, players must anticipate their moves before receiving the ball, as there is little room for hesitation. It becomes evident that fatigue may have played a part in Szoboszlai’s recent struggles, as this level of anticipation becomes more challenging when players are physically exhausted.
Looking Ahead
As the season comes to a close, Szoboszlai has made a total of 43 appearances, contributing seven goals and four assists. It will be interesting to see how Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, utilizes him in the upcoming season. With a better understanding of the demands of the Premier League and the experience gained from his debut season, Szoboszlai will be eager to bounce back and make a greater impact in the future.