Dominik Szoboszlai earns big praise from Barcelona star as Liverpool midfielder’s reputation soars
Heading into his third season with Liverpool, there were questions over whether Dominik Szoboszlai could retain his place in Arne Slot’s starting XI.
The Hungarian was a key cog in Slot’s Premier League title-winning team, but the arrival of Florian Wirtz meant he could have been relegated to a place on the bench.
However, with Wirtz struggling to get going and Alexis Mac Allister failing to recapture his usual form, Szoboszlai has remained a vital player.
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In fact, the 25-year-old has not only kept his place, but has gone on to find another level.
Currently one of the first names on any Liverpool team sheet, Szoboszlai is growing into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and indeed the whole of Europe.
With his form rightly drawing attention from rival supporters and players, Barcelona’s Dani Olmo has hailed Szoboszlai as the best midfielder in Europe playing outside of the Camp Nou.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Dani Olmo names Dominik Szoboszlai as the best midfielder
Olmo does of course have an extra reason to pay attention to whatever Szoboszlai is doing during his career.
The two spent three-and-a-half years together with RB Leipzig and Olmo recently claimed he wants to play with Szoboszlai again.
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Clearly, the Spain international rates his former teammate highly. So, when asked by Mundo Deportivo to name the best midfielder who is not playing with him at Barcelona, it was not a surprise to hear Olmo answer with Szoboszlai.
The 27-year-old was then asked to name three top players who don’t play for Barca.
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“Szoboszlai, [Josko] Gvardiol and [Jaml] Musiala,” Olmo answered.
Despite rumours that Liverpool are ready to fend off interest in Szoboszlai and hand him a new contract, perhaps Olmo will be trying to persuade the Reds’ No. 8 to join him in Catalonia.
Szoboszlai’s reputation continues to grow
During what has been a disappointing season for Liverpool, Szoboszlai has arguably been their standout player.
Last year, the Hungary captain was outshone by his midfield partners Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, with the former nominated for the Ballon d’Or and the PFA Player of the Year and the latter scooping the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award.
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This year, however, Szoboszlai has seemingly decided that he is going to be the star of the show.
Olmo may already have been aware of his talents, but Liverpool’s No. 8 may be in the running for the big individual awards if he can continue his good form for the rest of the campaign.
It does remain to be seen exactly where Szoboszlai fits into Slot’s vision for Liverpool once everyone is fit and available in the forward line. But whatever the system and whoever the personnel, you can bet that ‘Szobo’ will be involved somewhere.
