Dominik Szoboszlai: Analyzing Liverpool’s Dynamic Midfield Addition
Liverpool’s summer transfer window has been filled with anticipation and speculation over possible signings. While many predicted a comprehensive midfield overhaul, few expected the club’s strategic focus on creative, attack-oriented midfielders. In a significant move, Liverpool secured the services of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for €70 million, signaling a new approach to their midfield configuration. This article breaks down why Szoboszlai fits Liverpool’s needs and how his skills can transform the team’s midfield.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s Profile and Bundesliga Impact
Over two seasons with RB Leipzig, Dominik Szoboszlai consistently delivered reliable performances, most notably posting 6 goals and 8 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances during his final campaign. While he may not have dominated headlines, his versatility allowed him to thrive primarily as a number ten, playing just behind the striker. Liverpool appear confident that Szoboszlai, only 22, can translate his creative energy and technical qualities into a central role at Anfield—potentially supporting a more advanced setup as the club experiments with new midfield combinations.
Role and Tactical Adaptability
Throughout his time at both RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig, Szoboszlai was frequently deployed either as an attacking midfielder or out wide, mostly within variations of a 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2 system. This positioning emphasized his knack for finding space and unpicking defensive lines, rather than requiring him to operate as a deeper-lying central midfielder.
Szoboszlai’s strength lies in his creative orchestration in the final third—combining quick, precise passes with teammates and facilitating play in crowded areas. The ‘Red Bull’ tactical philosophy has also ingrained in him a relentless work ethic, particularly in pressing high up the pitch—a valuable asset as Liverpool continuously seek energetic, aggressive midfielders.
Notably, compared to Liverpool’s other midfield options, Szoboszlai excels with the ball at his feet, especially in passing range and vision. For example, in the 2022-23 season, he completed 80% of his long passes—outperforming regulars like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Thiago Alcantara. This number highlights his composure and ability to dictate tempo from deeper areas, boosting Liverpool’s playmaking options.
Key Offensive Attributes
Szoboszlai’s attacking prowess is underscored by his metrics in Europe’s top leagues:
– Shot-creating actions: 5.1 per 90 (top 10% for attacking midfielders)
– Successful attacking actions per 90: 4.18 (compared to Alexis Mac Allister’s 2.64)
– Key passes: 2.6 per 90
– Expected assists: 0.3 per 90
He consistently creates chances from central areas, fills creative gaps left after departures like Roberto Firmino, and complements Liverpool’s tendency to use full-backs and wide players as main playmakers. His chemistry with new arrival Alexis Mac Allister is expected to further diversify the team’s offensive strategies.
Though more comfortable on the right side, Szoboszlai has experience on both flanks. If Liverpool maintain their familiar 4-3-3, he is likely to occupy a right-sided attacking midfield role, allowing for Mac Allister to operate on the opposite side. Alternatively, in a 3-2-2-3 or a 4-2-3-1, Szoboszlai’s versatility enables him to shift between attacking midfield and winger positions, providing Klopp with tactical flexibility.
Areas for Growth and Tactical Integration
Stepping into a deeper role is relatively new territory for Szoboszlai. Data from last season shows he recorded 2.1 miscontrols per 90, a figure high among Liverpool’s midfielders but comparable to some attackers. This suggests an adjustment period may be required as he adapts to the increased pressure and defensive responsibilities of central midfield in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s evolving tactics, particularly the use of the 3-2-2-3 (WM formation), could optimize Szoboszlai’s impact. This structure allows for two deep midfielders—often Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho—with Szoboszlai and Mac Allister given creative freedom ahead. In this setup, he can drift between the right half-space and more central playmaking zones, maximizing his strengths.
Ball Progression and Creative Spark
One of Szoboszlai’s trademarks is his intuitive movement off the ball and his ability to receive passes in tight spaces. He combines these skills with controlled dribbling—completing roughly 4.5 successful dribbles per 90, significantly outpacing Liverpool midfield peers like Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones.
What truly sets him apart, however, is his decision-making and ability to combine dribbling, passing, and shooting. In advanced areas, he operates with speed and skill, delivering key passes, switching play, and finding gaps for attackers. Notably, Szoboszlai’s willingness to shoot from distance—and his nearly 50% shot accuracy—suggest Liverpool’s midfield could finally become a reliable source of goals from outside the penalty area.
Defensive Contribution and Pressing Intelligence
Liverpool’s playing style demands that midfielders not only create but also disrupt opponents through effective pressing. Szoboszlai, schooled in the high-intensity systems of Salzburg and Leipzig, is adept at counter-pressing and understanding the nuances of when and how to apply pressure.
In the Bundesliga, his 1.58 blocks per 90 minutes put him well above most of his new teammates and in the upper echelons among European midfielders. His energy and spatial intelligence also make him a strong fit for Klopp’s zonal-oriented pressing schemes, often leading the press and disrupting passes in high areas.
Defensively, Szoboszlai matches or surpasses Liverpool’s established midfielders, with strong numbers in both interceptions (5.5 possession-adjusted per 90) and defensive duel success rate (56%). This blend of offensive flair and defensive commitment fits seamlessly into Liverpool’s tactical identity.
Conclusion: What Szoboszlai Brings to Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai arrives at Anfield as a transformative signing, combining technical excellence, creative flair, and tactical versatility. Not only does he bring a new dimension to Liverpool’s attacking midfield—with the ability to score, create, and progress play—but he also possesses the intensity and work ethic demanded by Klopp’s philosophy.
There will be challenges as Szoboszlai adjusts to the pace and physical demands of the Premier League and possibly to deeper or less familiar midfield roles. However, his record, attributes, and mentality suggest he is ready to rise to the occasion. With the midfield undergoing significant change, Liverpool can look forward to a more dynamic, unpredictable, and multifaceted style—anchored by the talents of Dominik Szoboszlai.
