'Liked so much': Arne Slot says he loved something he saw from Dominik Szoboszlai when he wasn't even playing

11/09/2024 11:00 AM

There has been a feel-good factor around Liverpool after they launched themselves to the top of the Premier League tablelast week.

The Reds have been better than expected this season, winning 14 out of 16 games in all competitions.

Coming in to replace Jurgen Klopp over the summer, Arne Slot could never have expected to make such a convincing start at Liverpool.

Nevertheless, racking up so many wins doesn’t mean that everything has been straightforward.

The Reds have had numerous moments during games where things could easily have gone a different way. Last week’s win over Brighton at Anfield was the perfect example of that.

However, after Liverpool hit two quick-fire goals to turn the game around in the second-half, Slot has claimed that he saw something he really loved from Dominik Szoboszlai.

Arne Slot hails Dominik Szoboszlai moment

Szoboszlai has been a key player for Liverpool this season. But despite his regular playing time, the Hungarian has not convinced everyone.

Jamie Carragher called for more creativity for Szoboszlai and with just one goal and two assists so far this term, that is certainly a fair demand.

With the 24-year-old not really providing enough going forward, though, he was taken off with Liverpool 1-0 down against Brighton.

While Szoboszlai could have had reason to be frustrated on the day, though, Slot has claimed that his No.8 was just the opposite.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Aston Villa as Arne Slot brings ‘struggling’ player back to start

“It’s not only tactical or technical, it’s also how they handle disappointments,” the Liverpool head coach said while discussing his players with TNT Sports.

“Disappointments in games where we go 1-0 down, disappointments if they’ve been taken off, disappointments if they don’t play.

“That’s why I liked so much when we went 2-1 up against Brighton. I looked to my right and saw Dominik Szoboszlai, he was so happy, being almost on the pitch! I think that is also very important and in that way I get to know the players better and better.”

Liverpool need more from Dominik Szoboszlai

Obviously, it’s great to hear that the Liverpool squad are in harmony and are celebrating each other’s achievements even when not on the pitch themselves.

That is the way to win trophy’s at a football club and it is a real credit to Slot that he has been able to foster that feeling already.

Nevertheless, there is a slightly wider issue over the form of Szoboszlai.

With Liverpool chasing the goals needed to get back into the game, the former RB Leipzig man should have been one of the players left out there.

As the most attacking of the Reds’ midfielders, Szoboszlai should be one of those trusted with creating chances and getting goals for the team. That he isn’t suggests that either he needs to find something more from somewhere or his position needs to be tweaked.