29 September 2023 , 21:30
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He is the stand out signing of the Premier League so far, a midfield superstar in the making with an audacious quality to add to a stats-leading work-rate.
Yet Liverpool's capture of Dominik Szoboszlai went somewhat under the radar when they quietly announced the signing of the £60million Hungary skipper.
There were even questions asking why the Reds had spent so much on a relatively unknown player, but he was far from unknown to Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team, who were very aware of the qualities when the manager believed he could harness in a new role at Anfield. The 22 year-old is in the top five for distance covered in the Premier League, and has recorded the third fastest speed in the top flight so far this season.
His shooting prowess was there for all to see against Leicester, with a goal Klopp described as a “grenade”. Playing in a different position as a 'No.8’ at Anfield has unlocked all these skills, but the manager explained the player he describes as a “beast” had never played there before.
“I don’t think he played the position he plays for us at Leipzig. He played on the wing, as a No.10 more inside, (but with us he’s played) as an eight, a six, a double six as well, so it is really interesting to watch how quickly he adapts and develops,” the manager explained.
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Klopp was courageous from the start in using him deeper alongside Alexis Mac Allister, sometimes even in a double pivot that has unlocked what looks the bargain of the season. And the Reds boss is excited to discover what else there is to come from a player still only 22.
“That is really good, we have things to still find out and the signs are really positive,” he said. “We knew about him, he played for Salzburg against us, and for Leipzig too. We knew he has an incredible skill with his shooting…and that is now obvious!
“It is not that you look too much, but it is clear we were looking for an eight and names came up, watching the videos it was pretty impressive, super impressive.
“But Leipzig play a 4-2-2-2 very offensive line up, so we start learning (about him). I don't think he saw himself involved so much build-up, deeper positions but he is good on the ball and that is why we try it.”
Dominik Szoboszlai scored a belter against Leicester in midweek (Getty Images)Klopp knows the player’s eye for goal can make him a star, but he revealed that Szoboszlai is a team player first and foremost: “I can 100 percent understand why he creates headlines, but in the dressing room he is a real team player.
“I am impressed with him as well, he’s really smart, close with everybody - he has the charisma to come into a room and click with everyone. So it is nice to see how happy he is to come here, really wanted to come here.”
Klopp has Trent Alexander-Arnold back, but he is unlikely to start, with the manager likely to make major changes once more, as he keeps his squad fresh.