If football careers were novels, Dominik Szoboszlai is currently writing the kind of plot twist that would make even Agatha Christie put down her pen and clap. Liverpool’s £60 million midfield jewel, once billed as the creative heartbeat of Klopp’s system, has been moonlighting in positions that few predicted. First, Arne Slot stuck him at right-back. Now, Hungary boss Marco Rossi is parading him as a defensive midfield general. Tent Alexander-Arnold somewhere squints and wonders whether he is the one gradually being pumped out of his own role.
Dominik Szoboszlai on the right-back.
In the matches with Newcastle and Arsenal, Szoboszlai played at the positions of a right-back and provided so calm performances that people may think he had been training with Carragher in his rear garden. He defended with energy, attacked with style, and capped it all off by lashing home a free-kick against Arsenal that had “highlight reel for eternity” written all over it.
Dominik Szoboszlai in Hungary’s midfield
Fast forward to international duty: Rossi dropped him into a No.6 role against Ireland. Szoboszlai didn’t just survive—he orchestrated, assisted, and anchored a side reduced to ten men after Rolland Sallai saw red. Rossi, clearly smitten, declared his captain could become “one of the best in the world” as a defensive midfielder. It’s like finding out your luxury sports car also ploughs fields on weekends.
Dominik Szoboszlai and the versatility factor
Liverpool have Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Endo for the holding role. Yet, Szoboszlai’s adaptability gives Slot the tactical equivalent of a Swiss Army knife—one that can pass, score, and defend. For a club chasing trophies on four fronts, that’s gold dust.
Author’s take: The new Gerrard audition?
Personally, I love it. Szoboszlai’s versatility reminds me of Gerrard’s early years—plugged into every hole, yet shining through regardless. But let’s pump the brakes. Before we crown him the new Pirlo, let’s see him handle Burnley away on a wet Tuesday. Still, if he keeps acing these auditions, he won’t just be Liverpool’s surprise package—he’ll be football’s next big plot twist.
As featured on Walkon.com
