How Szoboszlai emerged as Liverpool's driving force

By Martin Graham

Ink on Dominik Szoboszlai’s forearm carries a Hungarian phrase that translates to: “Talent is a divine blessing, but without incredible will and humility, it is worth nothing.” The line is attributed to Steven Gerrard, a figure whose legacy looms large at Anfield.

When Szoboszlai joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £60m, he deliberately chose the number eight shirt, long associated with Gerrard. Earlier that summer, Alexis Mac Allister had passed on the opportunity to wear it, but Szoboszlai embraced the symbolism and responsibility that came with it.

Now 25, the Hungary international has become central to Liverpool’s campaign. He recently registered his 10th goal of the season and has added seven assists, underlining his growing influence in front of the goal.

When asked whether he was enjoying a “Steven Gerrard season,” Szoboszlai rejected the comparison, insisting he is carving out his own path rather than replicating anyone else’s story.

Decisive contributions amid uncertainty

Only Hugo Ekitike has been involved in more Liverpool goals this term, while captain Virgil van Dijk is the only player to have logged more minutes than Szoboszlai. Mohamed Salah, a close companion off the pitch, has described him as “one of the best players in the world right now.”

Although he prefers operating as a number 10, Szoboszlai has featured in other roles this season and still delivered, including striking spectacular free kicks against Arsenal and Manchester City in matches where he began at right-back. His consistency and end product have noticeably improved.

This progress has come during a turbulent period for the club, with ongoing discussion around the futures of Salah and defenders Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson. Szoboszlai himself has just over two years remaining on the five-year contract he signed in 2023, making his situation a priority.

Reports in Spain cited Hungary coach Marco Rossi as saying the midfielder’s dream is to play for Real Madrid, while Real’s Vinicius Jr has named Szoboszlai among his closest friends outside the Spanish club. However, talks over a new Liverpool deal have begun, and Szoboszlai recently expressed his affection for both the city and the club. His agent, Matyas Esterhazy, stated on Hungarian television that the player is not seeking a transfer.

Leadership qualities still developing

Those around the squad describe Szoboszlai as intensely driven, frequently among the first to report for training and near the top of the team’s physical metrics. No Liverpool player has covered more ground this season.

In a club video, Milos Kerkez joked that if Szoboszlai had not become a footballer, he might have been a 400m runner, claiming he could “jog from Liverpool to Hungary and not get tired.” His stamina and commitment have become defining features of his game.

Salah’s exacting standards are said to have had a strong impact on him. The pair spend time together away from football, often playing backgammon and visiting each other’s homes.

When Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane labelled him “disrespectful” for attempting a backheel in his own penalty area that resulted in a mistake and a goal, Szoboszlai publicly defended himself. Manager Arne Slot also addressed the matter privately.

Szoboszlai, who became Hungary captain at 22, is viewed by Liverpool as a potential future skipper. With vice-captain Robertson expected to leave in the summer and Van Dijk’s contract running until 2027, that pathway exists.

Slot believes he already leads through actions but says the next phase is becoming more vocal, particularly when compared to Van Dijk. The Dutch defender, now 34, benefited from learning alongside figures such as James Milner and Jordan Henderson, and Slot sees that mentorship as valuable for Szoboszlai’s development.

Growth through setbacks and maturity

During his first season at Liverpool, which marked Jurgen Klopp’s final year at the club, Szoboszlai endured a difficult outing at Luton and at one point kicked a ball out of the stadium in frustration. By the close of that campaign, he had lost his place in the starting XI.

Rather than stall his progress, that period appeared to clarify what was required to thrive in the Premier League. He returned the following summer determined to respond and has since been ever-present under Slot.

The year 2025 brought significant personal milestones as he became a husband, a father, and a Premier League champion. He has already surpassed his minutes tally from 2023-24 and is just 302 minutes short of matching the total from the previous season.

Van Dijk believes there is further room for advancement, particularly in terms of vocal authority within the squad, but views that as a positive sign. When Klopp secured his signature after impressive spells at Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, he described the move as one for both the present and the future.

Liverpool’s task now is to ensure that the prediction continues to hold true.