Liverpool manager Arne Slot has candidly addressed his decision to start Dominik Szoboszlai in the recent Premier League match against Southampton, acknowledging it may have been a "mistake" due to the midfielder's inconsistent energy levels, which contributed to a shaky start for the team.
In the November 24, 2024, fixture at St Mary's Stadium, Liverpool secured a 3-2 victory over Southampton, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points. The match was a rollercoaster, with Liverpool initially taking the lead through Szoboszlai's opportunistic goal, only for Southampton to respond with two goals, putting the Reds on the back foot. It took a second-half brace from Mohamed Salah to turn the tide in Liverpool's favor.
Despite Szoboszlai's early goal, Slot expressed concerns about the Hungarian midfielder's overall performance. Slot highlighted that while Szoboszlai has been effective in pressing without the ball, there is a need for him to be more involved in scoring goals and creating chances. Slot emphasized that for an attacking midfielder at Liverpool, Szoboszlai's numbers need to improve.
Slot's decision to start Szoboszlai came under scrutiny, especially considering the midfielder's fluctuating form since his £60 million transfer from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023. Pundits like Jamie Carragher have been vocal about Szoboszlai's need to elevate his game. Carragher pointed out that Szoboszlai's record of four goals in 45 Premier League appearances is insufficient for a number 10 at a top club like Liverpool, suggesting that his goal tally should be three times higher.
Slot's reflections on the match and Szoboszlai's performance underscore the challenges of maintaining consistency in a demanding league. While acknowledging the team's dominant possession, Slot noted the lack of significant chances created in the first hour. He praised Salah's crucial equalizer, which rejuvenated the team's momentum, leading to a more aggressive and effective final 25 minutes.
As Liverpool prepares for upcoming fixtures against formidable opponents like Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League, Slot's candid assessment of Szoboszlai serves as both a challenge and an opportunity for the midfielder to rise to the occasion and solidify his role within the squad.
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