How Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai Plays Like Lionel Messi

Liverpool fans have noticed a clever way that midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai plays like Lionel Messi. Szoboszlai has quickly become a fan favorite since arriving in the summer and has been instrumental in turning Liverpool’s fortunes around. While it goes without saying that Szoboszlai isn’t the same player as Messi, who is arguably the greatest ever, there is one trait they share.

Speaking on Monday’s Live at 5 show, available on This Is Anfield’s YouTube and podcast platforms, Paul Cope explained how the pair share the trait of walking often in the match. Cope said that Messi gave advice to kids, telling them “walk more” because it’s only when walking can you properly see what’s going on. He said that by walking, you can see where the opportunity is and then explode into the space.

Cope believes that Szoboszlai also plays with this in mind. He pointed to the difference between Szoboszlai’s contribution for the last goal against Nottingham Forest, which was a 60-yard cross-field pass from the edge of their own box, and his contribution to the Nunez goal where he was busting through in the advanced right midfield position to square it. He said that this is Szoboszlai standing back and watching and seeing where the opportunity is.

Gareth Roberts commented that Szoboszlai is good at the defensive side of the game too, saying: “He doesn’t mind the dirty work either, does he? You see him mopping up a lot as well.” It’s clear that Szoboszlai has all the tools to become one of the best in the world and if he continues on his current trajectory, it won’t be long until he’s talked about in that way.

The Live at 5 Show

Paul Cope and Gareth Roberts were speaking on a new show from This Is Anfield and The Late Challenge Podcast. The show airs each Monday at 5pm (UK) on This Is Anfield’s YouTube, with a second show each Wednesday. You can also listen as an audio show here.

Conclusion

There is no comparing Dominik Szobozlai and Lionel Messi, but Liverpool fans have noticed a clever way that the midfielder plays like the Argentine. Szoboszlai has helped turn Liverpool’s fortunes around since arriving in the summer, taking little time to settle in, and the wider public are starting to see his quality. It goes without saying that Szoboszlai isn’t the same player as Messi, who is arguably the greatest ever, but a clever comparison has been drawn between the two.

Szoboszlai has all the tools to become one of the best in the world and if he continues on his current trajectory, it won’t be long until he’s talked about in that way. Be sure to check out This Is Anfield’s Live at 5 show each Monday and Wednesday to stay up to date with all things Liverpool.