When Dominik Szoboszlai joined Liverpool in July 2023, he was given the 8th iconic shirt of the club, and maybe the No. 8 role will be the “long -term” place of the Hungarian player next season.
The Liverpool's recruitment of the attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz for up to £ 116 million, is an opportunity deal, but also entails many consequences for Wirtz's new teammates at Anfield.
Along with other new contracts in the transfer window such as striker Hugo Ekitike and the full -backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, this deal has made fans constantly debate about the optimal squad of the Premier League defending champions. With Wirtz's forte, Szoboszlai is often considered a redundant in a new tactical picture.
Last season, coach Arne Slot often used Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in the middle. The trio played together in 21/38 matches in the Premier League and brought 81% of the wins (17 matches). When one of the three people did not kick, the Liverpool's win rate dropped to 47%.
It was a great trio in the championship, but the appearance of Wirtz almost ensured that this squad would appear less in the next season. The German midfielder is a versatile attacker, can play as a “virtual number 9” or left, but through the first friendly matches, he will clearly be arranged to play in the “No. 10” position.
Last season, Szoboszlai was the one who held that position. He plays an important role in controlling the ball, but perhaps even more valuable than when there is no ball: leading Liverpool's Pressing game, moving tirelessly, filling the space behind Mohamed Salah – striker
