'Not guaranteed': £60m Liverpool player told he has to start performing to stay in the starting XI
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Dominik Szoboszlai scored his first Premier League goal of the season for Liverpool as the Reds beat Southampton 3-2.
The Hungarian international capitalised on a mistake at the back for the Saints as Szoboszlai fired Liverpool ahead with an excellent finish from close range, with Mohamed Salah scoring twice in the second-half to secure the three points.
Despite being a regular for Arne Slot this season, the £60m signing from RB Leipzig last summer has been questioned at times for his performances, with Jamie Carragher saying he wants to see more from Szoboszlai in a Liverpool shirt.
And Neil Mellor has now issued a warning towards Szoboszlai after his performance against Southampton.
Szoboszlai told to be more dangerous in the attack for Liverpool
Speaking on LFC TV, the former Liverpool striker noted that Szoboszlai needs to become more dangerous in the final-third for the Reds, with the midfielder showing against Southampton that he can be a lethal finisher.
With Liverpool fans yet to see Szoboszlai at his absolute best, the Hungarian international will be under pressure to show more of his attacking qualities as we head into the festive period, with the midfielder at risk of being replace by Curtis Jones or even Harvey Elliott in the starting XI.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai from his girlfriend to net worth
Mellor said about Szoboszlai’s place in the starting XI: “He’s not guaranteed the shirt, which he has been during his Liverpool career so far. You see how well Curtis Jones has been doing, it was good to see Harvey Elliott back on the bench today.
“So, for him to get the goal, that will give him a lift and that’s great news for the manager because there are some big games around the corner and maybe he’ll start shooting a bit more in dangerous areas.”
Szoboszlai needs to be more fearless for Liverpool
Szoboszlai joined the Reds last season with plenty of excitement based off his reputation and form for Leipzig, with the midfielder regarded as a player with an eye for a goal and the spectacular from distance.
Yet Liverpool supporters are yet to see anything like this from Szoboszlai in the 16 months the 24-year-old has featured for the Anfield side, with the versatile attacking midfielder looking almost timid to try his usual tricks.
As a result, Szoboszlai needs to become more fearless for Liverpool having now got his first Premier League goal for the Reds, with the midfielder capable of becoming a real weapon for Slot if he can get over this mental barrier.
