Introducing Dominik Szoboszlai: A Closer Look at Liverpool’s New Signing
Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market this summer, and their latest signing is one that has caused quite a stir. Dominik Szoboszlai has arrived from RB Leipzig, with the Reds shelling out £60.1 million for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder.
Szoboszlai is a highly-rated talent, and his former managers have had plenty of good things to say about him. Here, we take a closer look at the player, and the words of those who have worked with him.
Physicality and Exceptional Right Foot
Julian Nagelsmann, who signed Szoboszlai for Leipzig in 2020, was full of praise for the Hungarian. Speaking soon after his arrival, as relayed by Get German Football News, Nagelsmann highlighted his “physicality” and “exceptional right foot”:
“We spoke shortly after his arrival. Dominik is a very nice young man and makes a good impression, especially in terms of his physicality. He can play at different positions in attacking midfield. The intense nature of his position requires a lot from players, which is why he will definitely help us in that area. He’s got an exceptional right foot and has a knack for set-pieces as well. He’s definitely a candidate to set up plenty of goals and to score several himself as well. I’m convinced that his self-confidence will be high when he joins us and that he will be of great help to the team.”
Talent Comparable to Erling Haaland
Jesse Marsch, who succeeded Nagelsmann at Leipzig, also had plenty of positive words to say about Szoboszlai. Speaking to the Bundesliga’s official website, Marsch compared his talent to Erling Haaland:
“As talent goes, there aren’t many better players that can play his position. 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.”
High Work Ethic and Ambition
Gerhard Struber, who worked with Szoboszlai in his breakout season at FC Liefering in 2017/18, summed up his work ethic in an interview with The Redmen TV:
“We saw the potential in him at this time and also what I see and I never forget is that sometimes the team would have an off day and he was always on the field. He would train on days off. I was in my office, I can see him outside and he would make some special corner kicks, free-kicks with the balls on the field. I think next to a top talent, which he is, I can see also a high ambition. And in this direction, two things come together – very high work ethic plus a super talent.”
A Perfect Fit for Liverpool?
The words of Nagelsmann, Marsch and Struber give us an idea of not only the player Liverpool are signing, but also the person. Szoboszlai is clearly not only an elite-level midfielder, but also pairs that with the attitude needed to slot into Jurgen Klopp’s high-intensity system. With his physicality, technical ability and work ethic all seemingly in place, it looks like Liverpool may have found themselves the perfect fit for their midfield.