Liverpool have started the season in impressive form, with new manager Arne Slot guiding the Reds to the top of the Premier League after just six games.
Despite a surprising loss to Nottingham Forest, Slot’s side has been largely dominant, also picking up strong results in the UEFA Champions League and League Cup.
Players like Ryan Gravenberch and Luis Diaz have thrived under the Dutch coach, helping to position Liverpool as serious contenders for silverware across all competitions this season.
However, while Liverpool’s early-season form has been widely praised, former Premier League star Micah Richards believes there’s one key player who needs to step up his game if the Reds are to fully challenge for every trophy this season: Dominik Szoboszlai.
Richards’ call for more from Szoboszlai
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards highlighted the Hungarian midfielder’s need to boost his goal and assist numbers, particularly given his pivotal role in Liverpool’s attack.
Dominik Szoboszlai. Credit: Imago Images
Szoboszlai, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig this summer, has impressed in the No. 10 position, but Richards feels that the 23-year-old needs to contribute more in terms of goals and assists to help the Reds maintain their title charge.
Richards explained, “Szoboszlai is playing in that No. 10 role, and I think if Liverpool want to challenge all the way, his numbers are going to have to be ten goals and ten assists this season, realistically.”
While Richards acknowledged the stellar form of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, who have both been key contributors to Liverpool’s attack, he stressed the importance of Szoboszlai’s role in taking on more responsibility. “He gets into good positions,” Richards added. “If he can get the goals, then they can challenge.”
Szoboszlai’s early season performance
So far this season, Szoboszlai has one goal and two assists in seven games across all competitions.
Although these stats aren’t poor, they fall short of the level Richards believes is required for Liverpool to compete on multiple fronts.
Dominik Szoboszlai. Credit: Imago
Playing in the No. 10 role, Szoboszlai is expected to be more involved in Liverpool’s attacking play, and boosting his output will be crucial as the season progresses.
Despite the call for improvement, Szoboszlai has already impressed with his performances in the Premier League and in Europe. His ability to operate effectively in tight spaces, combined with his creativity and vision, has made him a key figure in Slot’s system. However, as Richards suggests, Szoboszlai has the potential to elevate his game further by adding more goals and assists to his repertoire.
Unlocking Szoboszlai’s potential
There’s no doubt that Szoboszlai has the quality to become one of the top midfielders in the Premier League. At just 23 years old, he has shown glimpses of brilliance in his new role at Liverpool, but unlocking his full potential will be key to the Reds’ success this season.
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates Cody Gakpo after scoring to give the side a 3-1 lead. Credit: Imago
With Salah, Diaz, and Diogo Jota contributing heavily to Liverpool’s attack, Szoboszlai’s increased involvement in front of goal could help lighten the load on his teammates.
For Arne Slot, ensuring that Szoboszlai raises his numbers will be an important part of keeping Liverpool in the hunt for silverware.
With the attacking midfielder’s ability to find space and create opportunities, improving his finishing and final ball could see him become a game-changer for Liverpool in key moments throughout the season.
As Liverpool continue their strong start to the campaign, the challenge for Szoboszlai will be to match the output of his attacking peers and prove that he can be the difference in Slot’s first season at Anfield.
