8 hours ago
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Dominik Szoboszlai has given credit to Trent Alexander-Arnold for his free-kicks following the right-back's departure from Liverpool this summer.
Szoboszlai produced a stunning late winner for Liverpool, curling home a free-kick from 32 yards after Martin Zubimendi fouled substitute Curtis Jones. The strike flew spectacularly into the net to hand Arne Slot an early boost in the Premier League title race.
For many seasons, Alexander-Arnold was the Reds’ primary free-kick taker, scoring some truly impressive and memorable goals. However, following the 26-year-old's transfer to Real Madrid this summer, it seems that Szoboszlai has confidently stepped into that crucial role.
Speaking to Sky Sports following the 1-0 win against Arsenal, Szoboszlai said: "Luckily we could practice some free-kicks. I felt this was a bit further. I was like 'I'll take the risk'. I was confident in myself, I tried it... finally [I've scored from a free-kick].
"When you practice all the time, now I should mention Trent because he was taking the free-kicks in the past. Finally I could have my chance and did it."
On whether he had practiced the technique, the Hungarian captain added: "This shot I didn't practice in the past few weeks because we were shooting closer.
"I had to take a risk and shoot a little bit harder because I knew Raya likes to jump behind the ball. It's an unbelievable goalkeeper. If it goes a bit more inside he saves it."
Reflecting on the game, Slot said: "Listening to Jamie [Carragher]. He thought we were far too open against Bournemouth so we thought let's make it a boring game.
"On a more serious note, they took the risk of going 1v1, this was hard because they brought all the midfielders so close to the defence. Then in the second half we went 1v1 but with Szoboszlai playing close and three midfielders. In the second half we pressed really well so for me after 45 minutes we got the upper hand. In the end we needed a moment of magic."
On Szoboszlai the Reds boss added: "Again. I'm only working with him now for a little more over a season but he shows what Liverpool is all about. If he has to play right wing, right full-back, as a 10, he gives his best. Again he was outstanding today."
Liverpool.com says: Szoboszlai's free-kick was an unbelievable strike, I don't think anybody expected it to go in at that distance. The departure of Alexander-Arnold led to questions on who would take on the Reds set-pieces but it seems like they are going to be just fine on the free-kick front!
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