Fans are keen to learn as much as can about Liverpool’s next potential incoming as the club gets closer to completing its second signing of the summer.
Since David Ornstein of The Athletic reported on Wednesday that the Reds had held conversations with Dominik Szoboszlai about a “complicated” transfer, a lot has happened quickly.
Liverpool reportedly paid the midfielder’s £60.1 million release clause soon before the June 30 deadline, and the only remaining question is when the transfer will be officially confirmed.
Naturally, fans are eager to learn as much as they can before he dons the red shirt, so we decided to do some of the research for you!
What kind of player will he be if Liverpool is successful in completing this deal?
Hungarian journalist and Liverpool fan @A11Aron gave us the inside scoop on Szoboszlai and his potential impact at Anfield.
First of all, we know that Szoboszlai has a wide range of abilities, but how would you characterize them?
Even if he is a technically proficient and inventive player, he will not shy away from making a tackle. When the team is out of possession, he makes a lot of runs and puts in a lot of labor. For that reason, I believe he would excel as a member of Klopp’s squad.
He can hold his own in a fight, shoot, and dish out through balls. This is what makes him so dangerous; he excels at all three and throws you off your game.
He was frequently deployed on the left wing as a slasher who could also play in the No. 8 or 10 positions. He’s a very savvy and astute tactician, with excellent awareness and judgment.
What are he best known for?
First and foremost, his technical skill. He has a tremendous delivery and a powerful shot, but his vital assists and shot creation are just as crucial.
Although he is not a selfish person, he is not afraid to shoot himself. His work ethic is amazing, and he does especially well in high-stakes games.
Is there anything in his game that particularly needs work?
Although he is not primarily a defender from the midfield position, he is willing and able to play that role when necessary.
What kind of guy is Szoboszlai, given that Klopp prizes players with the appropriate attitude?
Szoboszlai is a dogged and self-assured individual who might come across as arrogant at times. He is not, I promise you that!
Even in practice, he puts forth a lot of effort. I recall that he recently encouraged his players to seek him advice and assistance whenever they needed it, both on and off the field.
This year I’ve seen him perform live quite a few times, and it’s not just talk; there are times when it seems like he actually is everywhere!
I think he’d be a nice guy to have around because he has made some great relationships on his prior teams. He thrives on competition and does not shrink from a challenge.
We heard stories from him and his dad about how much he gave up from “just being a teen” to get to where he is today, and we can attest that he is a very, very professional player. He seems to be on a mission.
In case you were wondering, his name is pronounced.Here’s another way to look at it: So-boss-luh-e. Or, to put it another way, the “sz” in his name is pronounced like a “s” in Hungarian, so you may ignore the Z.
Is he going to be able to find a place on Liverpool’s roster next year?
As a Liverpool fan, I couldn’t be happier about his arrival, but even if I wasn’t, I’d be thrilled to see him play under Klopp.
I think his work ethic and enthusiasm will make him a good match, and he’ll provide Mo Salah with some excellent through balls. Although he may require some time to adjust to the new system, I am confident that Klopp can mold him into a beast, or perhaps a mental monster.
