Szoboszlai on Slot’s influence: ‘He changed my game a lot’ | OneFootball

Szoboszlai’s Growth Under Arne Slot Signals Positive Shift at Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has praised Arne Slot’s impact on his game, highlighting a tactical shift and personal growth during the 2024-25 season. As the Hungarian enters his second campaign at Anfield, he reflects on his evolution under new management and shares his aspirations for the future.

Szoboszlai’s Offensive Evolution Under Slot

In an interview with The Club Official site, Dominik Szoboszlai has credited Arne Slot for refining his style of play since taking over from Jürgen Klopp. With 32 appearances, five goals, and four assists already this season, Szoboszlai is flourishing in a more advanced role.

“It’s different. Last year I was playing as an eight and I think more as a defensive part of the game than offensively,” said Szoboszlai, noting the positional change under Slot. “This time I am a little bit more offensively than defensively and I’m still doing the work for the defence part.”

Photo: IMAGO

This shift highlights Slot’s emphasis on maximizing Szoboszlai’s attacking talents while maintaining his defensive contributions. The midfielder acknowledges Slot’s targeted coaching approach as key to his improvement.

“He [Slot] changed my game a lot and I improved I think a lot under him because he was going in on a certain point that I was never thinking about to be improved. I still can improve for sure and I’m working on it every day.”

Journey Through Europe’s Toughest Leagues

Szoboszlai’s path to the Premier League has been a journey of adaptation and resilience. From his early days in Austria to the intensity of the Bundesliga with Leipzig, each step prepared him for Anfield’s spotlight.

Photo: IMAGO

“It’s different. It’s also different because of the age. I was very young when I was in Austria. I moved there when I was 16. I played there and made my Europa League debut there, made my Champions League debut there and played with some amazing players. Then I moved to Leipzig, which was a big change for me also, because I moved alone, I didn’t know anyone.”

His Bundesliga experience taught him valuable lessons, but the Premier League presented new challenges despite his prior experience settling in foreign leagues.

“But at this time it was easier because it was my second time. I knew what was going to happen, I mean in a moving way, I’m going to be alone, have to find a house and the things to settle in. It was easier, but then I realised how the Premier League is and how playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world is.”

Driving Ambition and Unrelenting Motivation

Szoboszlai’s passion for self-improvement is evident, as he sets his sights on major silverware with Liverpool.

“It’s never enough. You can be always better. You have dreams and then the dreams become goals. If your goals are closer and closer and you see they are more realistic then you try to get them and that’s what I’m doing. My dream was to play for one of the big clubs and Liverpool is one of them. I’m here so I did it. My dream is to win the Premier League. We are in a good way. And also to win the Champions League.”

His focus on daily progress aligns with Arne Slot’s commitment to incremental growth. “When you see there isn’t a lot missing then you want even more and you’re going to do even more,” he adds, demonstrating his hunger for success.

Camaraderie Driving Liverpool’s Unity

Team chemistry is a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success, and Szoboszlai underlines its significance.

“Everybody is close to each other. We are every day together. Away games we are in the hotel seeing everybody and when you wake up you don’t see your wife actually, you see your mates. That’s what you have to get used to. That’s the life of football players.”

The bonds he has formed, especially with senior figures like Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kostas Tsimikas, contribute to a positive dressing room atmosphere.

“I think it’s very important to feel that you’re able to fight for the guy next to you. If you are in the pitch and you see he’s in trouble, then the first thing in your mind is that you have to get there and help him. If we are able to do this in the whole season, then it’s going to be a nice one.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From an excited Liverpool fan’s perspective, Szoboszlai’s comments are a beacon of hope for the season ahead. It is refreshing to see Arne Slot’s influence already bringing out the best in a player many believe can be world-class. Fans will be thrilled by the Hungarian’s increased offensive role, especially given his ability to produce moments of magic from distance.

However, some may feel cautious, wondering if Szoboszlai’s attacking freedom could leave gaps defensively. The Premier League is unforgiving, and while Slot’s tactical adjustments appear fruitful, they must also deliver against top-six rivals.

Nonetheless, Szoboszlai’s clear hunger for trophies will resonate with every supporter. Hearing him declare, “My dream is to win the Premier League…and the Champions League,” aligns with the aspirations of every Kopite. His strong relationship with key players like Salah and Trent hints at a harmonious squad—crucial for a deep title challenge.

If Szoboszlai’s trajectory under Slot continues upward, Liverpool fans could be celebrating more than just individual milestones by the season’s end.