Arne Slot, since his arrival at Liverpool, has made notable tactical adjustments that have revitalized the role of the No. 10 in the team’s structure. This position, which had been somewhat neglected under Jurgen Klopp, has now found a place in Slot's vision for the team. Klopp’s Liverpool prioritized a high-intensity, counter-pressing system over having a creative midfielder who had fewer defensive duties. He famously stated on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football: “No playmaker in the world can be as good as a good counter-pressing situation,” emphasizing how the pressing system was central to his team’s creativity and playmaking efforts.
Although Slot has maintained Liverpool’s trademark high press, he has reintroduced a more traditional No. 10 role into the midfield, bringing with it more creative freedom for the players. In this reshaped midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai has been tasked with playing in the advanced midfield position, and early signs show that he could excel in this role. Szoboszlai has already made an impact, registering two assists in his first three games, both of which resulted in goals for Mohamed Salah. These contributions have quickly established him as a key player capable of creating chances in the final third.
Szoboszlai brings a unique set of attributes that suit the attacking midfielder role perfectly. His stamina, shooting ability, and tendency to make forward runs beyond the striker provide Liverpool with a dynamic weapon going forward. These traits have already begun to show their worth, as the Hungarian captain is proving to be a potent force in the final third of the pitch. He has the physical capacity to run tirelessly for the duration of the game, coupled with the technical ability to deliver shots and key passes in crucial areas.
The data behind Szoboszlai’s performances further support the idea that he has the potential to become one of Europe’s top attacking midfielders. According to the scouting tool Fbref, Szoboszlai ranks in the 99th percentile for total shots taken by midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 12 months. This indicates that he is not only willing but also able to take a high volume of shots, positioning him as a constant threat to opposition defenses. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates is also reflected in his expected assisted goals (xAG) statistic, which ranks him in the 97th percentile. This particular metric highlights how frequently his passes lead to goal-scoring opportunities, showing his influence in orchestrating attacks.
Szoboszlai also ranks highly in other key areas related to creating offensive opportunities. His shot-creating actions, which measure the plays leading to shots, place him in the 96th percentile, underscoring his ability to contribute significantly to the team’s attacking output. Furthermore, his progressive carries, which involve moving the ball forward into dangerous areas, rank in the 97th percentile, while his touches in the opposition’s penalty box stand at 96%. These figures highlight Szoboszlai’s effectiveness in advancing the play and positioning himself in threatening areas.
However, while Szoboszlai’s statistics are highly impressive, consistency will be crucial if he is to establish himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe. The raw talent and potential are evident, but the next step is to regularly produce the kind of performances that can lead to greater outputs in terms of goals and assists. These more traditional metrics, such as goals scored and assists provided, will need to be elevated if Szoboszlai is to solidify his place among the elite in his position.
The introduction of Szoboszlai into Liverpool’s midfield represents a significant shift in how the team operates tactically. Under Klopp, the reliance on counter-pressing often meant that the creative burden was shared across the team rather than placed on one individual. This system had proven to be highly effective for years, as it disrupted opponents and allowed Liverpool to transition quickly from defense to attack. However, Slot’s willingness to reintroduce a playmaker-like role adds a new dimension to the team’s approach. It allows for more creativity in the central areas of the pitch, giving players like Szoboszlai the freedom to express themselves and unlock opposition defenses with greater precision.
In many ways, Szoboszlai’s potential has drawn comparisons to other top attacking midfielders such as Martin Ødegaard and Bernardo Silva. Both Ødegaard and Silva are renowned for their creativity, vision, and technical ability, making them two of the most influential players in their respective teams. However, what sets Szoboszlai apart is his physical prowess combined with his technical qualities. His ability to cover large distances, coupled with his willingness to shoot and create chances, makes him a unique player with the potential to surpass even Ødegaard and Silva in terms of overall impact.
While Szoboszlai’s journey at Liverpool is still in its early stages, the signs are promising. His statistical profile suggests that he has all the tools necessary to become a key figure in Slot’s tactical setup, and his performances so far indicate that he is well on his way to fulfilling that potential. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Szoboszlai continues to adapt to his role and whether he can maintain the consistency required to reach the heights expected of him.
Ultimately, Arne Slot’s decision to bring back the No. 10 role and trust Szoboszlai with the responsibility of leading Liverpool’s creative efforts could prove to be a masterstroke. With his unique blend of physicality and technical ability, Szoboszlai has the potential to not only match but perhaps even exceed the contributions of players like Martin Ødegaard and Bernardo Silva. The key now will be for Szoboszlai to deliver consistent performances and convert his potential into tangible results for the team.
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