Dominik Szoboszlai: Liverpool’s £60m Signing – Where Might He Fit In?
Liverpool have completed the £60m signing of Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai from Leipzig, so where might he fit in? The 22-year-old, who captains his country, can play in central midfield but has spent the majority of his time in the Bundesliga on the wing. He managed six goals and eight assists in last season’s Bundesliga – and has previously been called “just as talented as Erling Haaland” by a former manager of his.
## Szoboszlai’s Statistics Compared to His New Colleagues
Liverpool may well opt to play Szoboszlai in midfield but since he spent last season on the right wing it is easier to compare his statistics to those of the Reds’ forwards. Of those forwards, only Mohamed Salah had a higher combined total of goals and assists in the league last season than Szoboszlai – but the Hungarian played more than the rest. When you factor in time played, Szoboszlai only managed a goal or assist every 175 minutes – a lower hit rate than that of Salah (106), Darwin Nunez (142), Diogo Jota (103), Cody Gakpo (163) or Luis Diaz (166) last season. That is down to differences in style of play and tactics, though. Szoboszlai had fewer touches in the box but created more chances than any of them.
## Szoboszlai’s Career So Far
Szoboszlai, who has scored seven goals in 32 caps for Hungary, has spent his career to date with Red Bull clubs. He scored 42 goals and made 45 assists in 125 games for Salzburg and their second-tier reserve team Liefering, before joining Leipzig in January 2021. Injury meant he did not make his Leipzig debut until the following season and he has scored 20 goals across both seasons – including the clinching goal in this year’s German Cup final 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch managed Szoboszlai at Salzburg and Leipzig – and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland with Salzburg. “As talent goes, there aren’t many better players that can play his position,” Marsch has previously said of Szoboszlai, as reported by the Bundesliga’s official website. “Some are strong, some are technical, some are good tactically, and some can defend well or run a lot. However, Dominik is special because he has all of these skills combined. Dominik is just as talented as Erling Haaland.”
## Szoboszlai’s Performance in the Bundesliga
In his two full seasons in the Bundesliga, only four players created more chances per 90 minutes than Szoboszlai’s average of 2.5. Last season, only three players were involved in more chances from open play, including taking the final shot, than Szoboszlai’s 163 – Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham. Only Bayern’s Leroy Sane had more shots from outside the box than Szoboszlai’s 36.
## What Makes Szoboszlai Special?
Aranyossy said: “Szoboszlai is a very determined and confident guy which is sometimes seen as cocky but he is not. He works very hard during training sessions as well. Even when he has a bad day at the office, he puts a shift in. He is competitive and loves a good challenge, he doesn’t get scared to face tough opponents. It’s like he is on a mission.”
## Conclusion
Szoboszlai’s work-rate and energy should make him into a great fit for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. His decision making and tactical awareness are excellent, making him a good addition to the midfield area. He is also a set-piece specialist and could be a great threat with his ability to shoot, take others on, and create key passes. With his determination and confidence, Szoboszlai could be an excellent addition to Liverpool’s squad.