Jamie Carragher proves Szoboszlai ‘is underrated at Liverpool’ despite negativity
Dominik Szoboszlai is absolutely vital to Liverpool despite Jamie Carragher’s claims about him.
The Reds legend claimed on The Overlap (4 February) that he is not the “biggest fan” of the 24-year-old and that West Ham star Lucas Paqueta is a better attacking midfielder.
The critique of his goal contributions is valid but he has been a key part of Arne Slot’s table-topping side and his performances often go under the radar.
His influence is most evident when he is not in the starting line-up as the Merseysiders struggle to control matches without their number ten.
Dominik Szoboszlai claim ridiculous at Liverpool
The Hungarian enjoyed a brilliant start to life at Anfield following his £60million move from RB Leipzig and had supporters thinking that they had found the next Steven Gerrard.
However, his form was inconsistent after he returned from a hamstring injury in February 2024 as Jurgen Klopp’s high-intensity football took its toll.
He has four goals and five assists in 30 matches in all competitions this season but his influence on the Reds is about so much more than his direct contributions.
That is highlighted by his performance in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth, in which Szoboszlai created three chances, took seven touches in the opposition box and had three shots. [Fotmob]
Szoboszlai misplaced just four of his 42 pass attempts for a success rate of 90 per cent and made two passes into the final third.
Defensively, he made six recoveries and one interception against the Cherries, although he did win just three of his eight ground duels for a 38 per cent success rate.
The Hungary captain will be one of the first names on Slot’s teamsheet due to his incredible work rate and athletic ability.
He will be the key to the Reds’ chances of winning the Premier League and Champions League titles and the suggestion that Paqeuta offers more than him is pathetic.
One is starring for one of the best sides in Europe, the other is being linked with a move back to Brazil.
In other Liverpool news, the Merseyside club are set to invest in the summer window amid a new twist in the contract saga.
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