Ex-Liverpool star backs Szoboszlai to be X-factor in Premier League title push

21 October 2023 , 06:45

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Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Aston Villa (Image: Getty Images)

Steve McManaman has been blown away by Dominik Szoboszlai’s start to life at Liverpool and the former Reds wideman believes the £60m summer signing can be the factor that sees Jurgen Klopp's team challenge on all fronts this season.

Szoboszlai has settled in seamlessly to leave Liverpool three points off the top before today’s derby against Everton at Anfield. Klopp has already described the Hungary international, 22, as a “beast” and McManaman has in particular been struck by his high-powered engine.

The Merseyside derby is live exclusively on TNT Sports today and pundit McManaman said: “I’m really impressed with Dominik. He’s started really well, he’ll keep improving and the fact he’s so young means the sky's the limit. He’s been a wonderful signing.

“If you watch him you see the passing ability is excellent. He’s an amazing runner, his fitness levels are very good, and that helps in our league. The promise and the ability is there to see. Liverpool’s scouts will have had him earmarked for a long time. He’s ferocious in the tackle, he’ll score goals. It’s really important to be mobile and agile. He’s got both.”

With fellow new arrival Alexis MacAllister bedding in well and several players who struggled for form last season appearing rejuvenated, McManaman sees only an injury crisis stopping Liverpool from sustaining a title challenge.

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Steve McManaman was speaking on behalf of TNT Sports

Jurgen Klopp's team are huge favourites ahead of Saturday's game

Yet the ex-England star insists no one should be surprised by the manner in which Klopp’s side have bounced back from their nightmare campaign. “They are where I fully expected them to be,” he said. “I expect them to challenge if the big players stay fit. The squad is strong enough.

“You could explain why they were so poor last year, especially early in the season with injuries to key men, but they now have firepower, are fit and well with changes in the 60th or 70th minute who can impact the game with their quality. It’s nothing surprising, to be honest. If they keep their main men fit and well, they’ll have an excellent chance to challenge all fronts."

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Alan Smith