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Dominik Szoboszlai has opened up on the secret behind his midfield’s remarkable success in their title-winning campaign, offering rare insight into how the unit fit together so seamlessly.
The Reds midfield was key to their Premier League success last season, with the trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister starting 28 of the club’s 56 games across all competitions. Their understanding was particularly evident in victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, helping the team play with greater fluency, with Szoboszlai standing out for his skill and influence.
Even amid Liverpool’s struggles this season, the 25-year-old has remained a bright spot, demonstrating the quality and leadership that earned him the captaincy of his national team in 2022.
In an interview with TNT Sports, the Hungarian told former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves why he believes the trio worked so well.
"We came in two years ago, and I think we didn't know each other, but in a quick time we knew each other," said the 25-year-old.
"Me and Macca were playing also under Jurgen and Ryan obviously when the gaffer came in and he got his chances then he showed his quality."
The trio’s combination to deliver the winning goal against Xabi Alonso’s side was a fitting reflection of their skill and work rate, which have been central to Liverpool’s resurgence.
After much of the campaign saw the Reds look unbalanced, the restoration of this tried-and-tested midfield engine has brought much-needed solidity, while $131 million summer signing Florian Wirtz excelled in a more advanced role against Madrid.
After months of lineup experimentation, it appears Arne Slot has finally returned to last season’s successful formula.
Mac Allister, who earned a place in last season’s PFA Team of the Year following an outstanding campaign, has struggled recently with both form and fitness. A disrupted preseason after injury curtailed his 2024-25 season, leaving the Argentina international largely playing catch-up, completing a full 90 minutes just once against Villa.
Gravenberch has also battled injuries, including an ankle problem sustained in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United that sidelined him for three games.
Liverpool’s right-back issues have had a knock-on effect in midfield, with Szoboszlai often dropping back to cover for Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. His relentless drive has cemented him as one of the first names on Liverpool’s team sheet.
Against Madrid, Szoboszlai led the team with five shots on target, 40 passes, and three crosses, while ranking second for touches (55). Slot praised his off-the-ball work in the last two games as “even above his own standards.”
Gravenberch has also stood out this season, continuing his development into one of Europe’s top holding midfielders — a progression Slot regards as one of his greatest managerial achievements.
English (US) ·