Dominik Szoboszlai’s Vital Role in Liverpool’s Evolving Play under Arne Slot | OneFootball

Dominik Szoboszlai: Liverpool’s Heartbeat Under Arne Slot

Liverpool fans have a new figure to focus on this season: Dominik Szoboszlai. Since Arne Slot took the managerial reins following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, Szoboszlai has become integral to the team’s dynamic, impacting both the tempo and tactical flow of Liverpool’s play. While some supporters question his effectiveness in the final third, Panenka LFC’s recent podcast episode sheds light on Szoboszlai’s essential, multi-faceted role. Here, we delve into their analysis, highlighting Szoboszlai’s contribution to Liverpool’s evolving gameplay.

Photo: IMAGO

Szoboszlai’s Evolving Role and Positional Fluidity

Described by Panenka LFC as “the heartbeat of this Arne Slot Liverpool team,” Szoboszlai’s contributions extend well beyond goals or assists. He operates within a fluid formation, as Panenka’s contributors observed: “Liverpool’s buildup structures are always shifting… sometimes it’s the common 3-2-5, other times it’s a 4-1-4.” This constant repositioning of Liverpool’s formation allows the team flexibility, but it requires players who can adapt seamlessly—Szoboszlai does this expertly.

Despite being listed as a number 10, Szoboszlai’s responsibilities are far from conventional. As Panenka LFC explains, “when Macca pushes forward, Dominic tends to drop back, and vice versa.” This shifting role requires high football IQ, with Szoboszlai alternating between creating space and covering defensive gaps. This dynamic versatility on the pitch enables Liverpool to control play and adapt to opponents in real-time, especially in moments of high pressure.

Vital in Build-Up Play But Limited in the Final Third

One intriguing point raised in the podcast is Szoboszlai’s positioning in possession. According to Panenka LFC, Szoboszlai ranks lower among Premier League midfielders for touches in the attacking third, spending more time “in the defensive and middle thirds,” averaging “32.2 touches per game in central areas.” His frequent drops into deeper positions suggest that Szoboszlai’s primary duty isn’t just scoring or creating chances but maintaining the tempo and flow of Liverpool’s play.

This positioning also impacts Szoboszlai’s effectiveness near the goal. As Panenka LFC noted, “when Liverpool are circulating possession, Dominic is constantly scanning the field, often dropping closer to the initial buildup line.” While this deep-lying role is essential for Liverpool’s fluidity, it limits Szoboszlai’s opportunities to take risks or make decisive plays in the final third. His low touch count in attacking areas, the podcast explains, “isn’t a sign of ineffectiveness but a testament to his willingness to shoulder responsibilities deeper in the field.”

Szoboszlai’s Defensive Impact: From Pressing to Winning Second Balls

Beyond attacking contributions, Szoboszlai has proven crucial to Liverpool’s defensive structure. Under Slot’s management, Liverpool has adopted a more passive pressing structure, often forming a “4-2-4 shape,” which was clearly visible in their recent games. Panenka’s analysis highlights Szoboszlai’s role in leading the press: “In this setup, Szoboszlai is usually the one initiating the press… with his RB Leipzig background, he’s developed into an excellent presser.”

Szoboszlai’s pressing goes beyond aggression, focusing on precision and timing. Panenka notes his ability to “curve his runs to pin opponents into one side of the pitch,” helping Liverpool regain possession efficiently. His athleticism also makes him invaluable when Liverpool deploys direct, long-ball tactics to target players like Darwin Núñez. As the podcast points out, Szoboszlai’s positioning “helps Liverpool regain control and catch the opposition while they’re still scrambling to reset.”

Dominik Szoboszlai: Liverpool’s Unseen Anchor

Despite critiques of his performance in the final third, Szoboszlai’s role goes beyond simple offensive contributions. Panenka LFC observes that “Szoboszlai is responsible for finding space to facilitate ball progression, using his running power to be a transitional threat.” This adaptability is central to Liverpool’s strategy, as he covers ground across the pitch, transitioning fluidly between offensive and defensive phases.

While Panenka acknowledges that Szoboszlai could improve his decision-making and execution in the final third, they argue that his contributions across the pitch justify his role. They conclude, “Szoboszlai is the lungs of this team… his presence brings more than just goals and assists.” His deeper positioning and defensive responsibilities under Slot are key factors that may limit his offensive statistics but are critical to Liverpool’s overall stability and success.

As Panenka LFC’s podcast illustrates, Szoboszlai’s impact on Liverpool extends beyond the scoreboard. His role requires patience from fans, but his influence on the pitch suggests that he is crucial to Arne Slot’s Liverpool vision.