Dominik Szoboszlai’s True Power Lies in Midfield, Not at Right-Back | OneFootball

The Misuse of a Midfield Powerhouse

As Liverpool prepares to welcome Manchester United to Anfield, one of the most pressing questions for Arne Slot revolves around Dominik Szoboszlai — specifically, how best to use him. The Hungarian arrived as a beacon of energy and aggression, a midfielder built to dominate space, carry the ball through lines, and spark chaos in the right moments. Yet, in recent weeks, he has found himself stationed at right-back, either by design or desperation, as Liverpool’s transitional system continues to wobble.

Szoboszlai has performed admirably wherever he’s been asked to play, which is a testament to his intelligence and athleticism. However, it’s not the best version of Liverpool. His deployment as a pseudo full-back feels like a patchwork solution to a larger issue — a system still searching for fluidity following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure. The right-hand side, once Liverpool’s metronome of control and creativity, now feels static and predictable. And while Szoboszlai’s dynamism brings temporary relief, it ultimately pulls him away from the area where he can make the greatest difference: the heart of midfield.

There’s a faint echo of Steven Gerrard’s career in Szoboszlai’s current situation. Gerrard was famously versatile, capable of influencing a match from almost any position, and even ended the 2005 Champions League final at right-back. But versatility isn’t always utility, with the player perhaps frustrated at losing his predominant role. It’s often a byproduct of necessity rather than preference for a head coach searching for solutions. For Liverpool, constantly shifting Szoboszlai to plug gaps is symptomatic of a side still finding itself, rather than one operating with the controlled confidence of champions.

A Call for Balance and Belief

If Liverpool is to rediscover their rhythm, it must start by restoring balance. That means trusting the process — and the players signed for specific roles. Jeremie Frimpong was brought in to be an attacking right-back, a profile that complements Slot’s philosophy of verticality and width. Conor Bradley, though still raw, has the hunger and defensive awareness to grow into a valuable rotational option. Using Szoboszlai as a full-time auxiliary defender may mask the problem for ninety minutes, but it weakens the entire midfield dynamic that should be the team’s beating heart.

Slot’s system depends on midfielders who can break lines, counter-press intelligently, and sustain attacks through rapid transitions. Szoboszlai offers all three in abundance. By returning him to a midfield three — ideally alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch — Liverpool can regain the engine room that defined their best football. With Florian Wirtz stationed wide left, linking fluidly with Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah, the attack gains structure, while the double pivot behind Szoboszlai benefits from his energy and drive.

It’s time for Arne Slot to trust the players in their intended positions. Szoboszlai isn’t a stopgap; he’s a centrepiece and should be treated as such. The constant tactical reshuffling is understandable in a period of transition, but identity cannot be found in compromise. Against Manchester United, Liverpool will need power, precision, and belief in their system — qualities Szoboszlai embodies when allowed to play his natural game.

The Hungarian has all the attributes to become the midfield powerhouse this new Liverpool side needs. But he must be unleashed, not restrained. The sooner Slot realises that, the sooner Liverpool can start looking like Liverpool again.