1 hour ago
48
Dominik Szoboszlai has confessed he's not entirely certain why he's emerged as Liverpool's utility man, having once more stepped up when Arne Slot needed him at the weekend.
The Hungarian has been the Reds' standout performer during a challenging campaign, particularly when deployed in his favored central midfield position. However, the 25-year-old spent portions of the early season operating as a makeshift right-back owing to fitness issues affecting Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, and was forced back into that role on Saturday as the pair were unavailable for the disappointing 3-0 Premier League home loss to Nottingham Forest.
With Frimpong and Bradley expected to remain out for the next three weeks, Szoboszlai will once again be a right-back option for Reds manager Slot when PSV Eindhoven arrives for Wednesday's Champions League fixture.
When questioned about why he's entrusted to operate in multiple positions, he said: "To be honest, I don't know. You have to ask my managers. I think it comes from growing up playing as a central midfielder.
"In my opinion, a central midfielder can play any position on the pitch a lot easier. The midfield is where a lot of the action happens in training and in the matches.
"You always have to be ready in that position, so if you play wider, you will feel like you have a lot more time on the ball and a lot more space ahead of you straight away. When I play as a right-back, I think that's one of the reasons why I can solve these situations."
Liverpool is enduring a challenging spell, having lost six of its last seven Premier League matches while defending the title it secured in May.
The Reds have lost eight times in their last 11 games in all competitions.
Szoboszlai commented: "There are always difficult moments on and off the pitch. It always changes. Sometimes the team needs you, sometimes they don't. Sometimes you're in great form, sometimes you're not.
"It's always up to you how you react. I feel like so far, I've been able to deal with difficult times quite well, and I hope that continues."
In an interview with World Soccer magazine, Szoboszlai also reflected on what he had gained from working under Slot since the Dutchman replaced Jurgen Klopp 18 months ago.
"Many things," he said. "From how to play between the lines, making runs from deep, or arriving in front of the goal from open play. Honestly, he has taught me a lot of things."
When asked to compare Slot with his predecessor, Szoboszlai added: "They're different managers.
"I don't want to go into tactics, but both of them are great managers, and I owe a lot to them. I will forever be grateful to both."
English (US) ·