Man of the Match: £60m Liverpool Star Shines in Victory over Newcastle United | OneFootball

Newcastle United 2 – 3 Liverpool – Man of the Match

Liverpool’s second league fixture of the season carried the tension of a blockbuster. St James’ Park under the lights is always a cauldron, and the added animosity of the Alexander Isak transfer saga only intensified the atmosphere. Yet despite the chaos, drama, and late heroics of Rio Ngumoha, it was Dominik Szoboszlai who stood tallest. Thrust into an unfamiliar role at right-back due to Jeremie Frimpong’s injury and a lack of fit alternatives, the Hungarian captain was everywhere – defending with grit, carrying the ball into midfield, and even producing the decisive dummy that set up Liverpool’s stoppage-time winner.

Adaptability and Influence in an Unfamiliar Role

When the lineups dropped, eyebrows were raised at Szoboszlai being deployed as a makeshift right-back. He is, after all, Liverpool’s £60m attacking midfielder, a player brought in to provide thrust and creativity from central areas. But Arne Slot’s tactical call was bold – and justified. From the opening whistle, Szoboszlai was confronted by Anthony Gordon’s energy and direct running. A mistimed foul on the edge of the penalty area looked like a sign of things to come, but instead the Hungarian grew into the task.

Positionally disciplined, aggressive in the tackle, and willing to track back tirelessly, Szoboszlai repelled wave after wave of Newcastle pressure. His superb block inside the six-yard box in the first half denied what seemed a certain opener for Gordon. In possession, he provided Liverpool with an extra midfielder, stepping inside to progress play and giving the Reds an outlet when Newcastle’s press looked overwhelming.

Leadership Under Pressure

Beyond the technical aspects, what stood out most was Szoboszlai’s leadership and sheer willingness to put the team first. Playing out of position is one thing; excelling while doing it under the glare of one of the Premier League’s most hostile environments is another. When Liverpool wobbled after Newcastle equalised, Szoboszlai was often the one gesturing, talking, and dragging his teammates into shape.

It’s easy to forget he’s only just into his second season at Anfield. His maturity, composure, and engine all made him a natural focal point in a side still finding its rhythm under Slot.

The Defining Moment

While Rio Ngumoha will rightly grab headlines for his match-winning cameo, Szoboszlai’s role in that 99th-minute goal was crucial. As Liverpool broke forward, he shaped his body as though to take the shot on the edge of the box, only to step aside and let the ball roll perfectly into Ngumoha’s path. The 17-year-old finished ruthlessly, but it was Szoboszlai’s awareness and deception that made the chance possible. It was the act of a player who reads the game a step ahead.

Final Thoughts

Arne Slot will take plenty of encouragement from the resilience his team showed at St James’ Park. Alisson made big saves, Van Dijk was immense, and Rio Ngumoha had his fairytale moment. But this was Szoboszlai’s night. From right-back to midfield anchor to decisive creator, he was the driving force in a 3–2 win that felt like a statement.

For Liverpool’s captain of Hungary, this was more than a performance – it was proof that under Slot, adaptability and sacrifice will define champions.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Newcastle 1 – 2 Liverpool