Lewis Steele: ‘Gerrard-esque’ Liverpool star is stepping up as a new leader | OneFootball

Dominik Szoboszlai’s Liverpool Role Comes Into Focus After Tottenham Stunner

Dominik Szoboszlai has rarely been short of confidence, and his spectacular goal in Liverpool’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur provided another reminder of what the Hungarian can produce.

Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele discussed Szoboszlai’s performance, his increasingly vocal presence around Liverpool and the fascinating question of where Andoni Iraola should actually use him.

Steele acknowledged that Szoboszlai had not produced his finest overall performance after coming from the bench against Tottenham. The goal, however, required little qualification.

“I think we’ll do well to see a better goal than that this season from a Liverpool perspective,” Steele said. “It was brilliant.”

Tottenham Goal Shows Szoboszlai Quality

Szoboszlai’s strike arrived at an important moment.

Tottenham had threatened to make the closing stages uncomfortable before Liverpool’s midfielder produced a remarkable finish to make it 3-1 and effectively settle the Carabao Cup tie.

“It just topped off a really good performance from Liverpool because I think before that went in it was quite a nervy finish actually,” Steele explained.

Szoboszlai’s celebration also caught the attention, with the midfielder putting his hand towards his ear after scoring.

Steele referenced some of the criticism that had followed Liverpool’s previous game, saying: “I think he got a little bit of stick on Saturday and he’s sort of silencing the crowd.”

He added: “If he can do that every week then why wouldn’t you have the ego, very, very Steven Gerrard-esque.”

The goal provided an emphatic contribution on a night dominated by discussion around Liverpool’s younger players, including Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni.

Szoboszlai Explains Iraola’s Liverpool Midfield

Davis and Steele also explored Liverpool’s midfield structure under Iraola, with Szoboszlai himself providing some insight into how the system is intended to operate.

Davis quoted the midfielder explaining: “You guys see it different because we played with one six, one eight and a 10. So the six and eight are not next to each other. The eight is a little bit higher and the six is a little bit deeper and the 10 is a little bit even higher.”

That distinction is significant given the debate surrounding Liverpool’s midfield balance during the opening weeks of Iraola’s reign.

Steele admitted there have been problems.

“I think it’s been a bit all over the place at times, to be honest,” he said.

For Szoboszlai, however, Iraola’s demand for intensity appears naturally suited to his game.

Davis referenced another interview in which the Hungarian explained what his manager wants: “All-in aggressiveness, directness, one-on-one, just go for it. If you can do it until 60 minutes then do it 60, but 100%, then come off, the next player is coming.”

Szoboszlai added: “I like the off-the-ball work. It’s made for me. I like to fight against the ball.”

Leadership Role Growing at Liverpool

Another intriguing element has been Szoboszlai’s increasing willingness to speak publicly.

Davis noted that the midfielder had already conducted several interviews during the early stages of the campaign, including comments about the significance of potentially captaining Liverpool.

“There’s nothing bigger than being Liverpool captain,” Szoboszlai said.

For Steele, his willingness to face the media may indicate a player assuming greater responsibility within the dressing room.

“He does have a lot to say for himself,” Steele said.

While acknowledging that such visibility could be interpreted in different ways, Steele offered his own reading of the situation.

“I think the positive spin, which I think it is more so, is that he is stepping up as a leader figure and talking for the dressing room.”

Photo: IMAGO

Steele compared that responsibility with Virgil van Dijk’s regular appearances in front of the media, something Liverpool’s captain regards as part of his role.

“He’s talking to try and be a voice of the dressing room and try and be a bit more of a leader,” Steele said of Szoboszlai. “I think that’s how I perceive it anyway.”

Iraola Faces Szoboszlai Selection Question

Finding Szoboszlai’s best position remains part of Liverpool’s wider midfield puzzle.

Steele described him as “obviously one of the best players at the club”, while also questioning how his inclusion affects the structure around him.

“The midfield’s a real conundrum because Szoboszlai is obviously one of the best players at the club,” Steele said. “However, he really throws the balance off.”

Right-back has been another option, although Steele pointed towards Szoboszlai’s public comments about playing there.

“He’s also been very vocal that he doesn’t want to play right-back in public interviews,” Steele said, adding that using him there “would solve a few balance issues”.

That leaves Iraola with an intriguing problem.

Szoboszlai offers running power, intensity, attacking quality and a growing leadership presence. His comments suggest he understands precisely what Iraola demands without the ball. His Tottenham goal demonstrated the extraordinary quality he can provide with it.

Liverpool now need to find the midfield structure that allows those qualities to flourish.