Szoboszlai: Liverpool’s Hungarian Engine Needs Careful Management

As Liverpool embark on another hectic season, it’s becoming increasingly evident how pivotal Dominik Szoboszlai is to the team’s success. The Hungarian midfielder, wearing the coveted number 8 shirt, has already demonstrated his importance on the pitch, especially in terms of work rate. But with the team now entering a gruelling stretch of two games per week, there are concerns about managing his workload properly.

Szoboszlai’s Running Record

Dominik Szoboszlai has already covered a remarkable distance this season, more than any other Liverpool player. In fact, no one else in the squad comes close to his total of 33.9km covered so far, leading the pressing from midfield. In the game against Manchester United, he ran a staggering 11.7km, with only Diogo Jota’s 11.4km coming close. This level of intensity is impressive, but it raises questions about sustainability, especially considering what happened last season. Two games a week are about to come thick and fast too.

Lessons from Last Season

Liverpool’s reliance on Szoboszlai last season had serious consequences. He played relentlessly, often featuring in key matches, but eventually succumbed to a hamstring injury that derailed his campaign. From January 31, 2024, to February 29, 2024, Szoboszlai was out with a hamstring strain. He missed a total of nine games across all competitions during this period, a setback that Liverpool could ill-afford. Unfortunately, upon his return, his minutes were mismanaged, and he was re-injured, missing crucial fixtures that contributed to the Reds’ struggles in the second half of the season.

It’s vital Liverpool learn from these mistakes. Running a player into the ground at such an early stage of the season, especially one as influential as Szoboszlai, would be a repeat of the past. With two games a week looming on the horizon, careful rotation is essential. Fortunately, it does seem that Slot and Peeters are attuned to this, so Harvey Elliott and others can provide cover at key points.

Szoboszlai’s Contributions: More Than Just Distance

Szoboszlai isn’t just a workhorse in midfield; his creative output has been crucial for Liverpool’s attacking play this season. His assist for Mohamed Salah at Old Trafford was an example of his vision and precision in tight spaces. In the Ipswich game, Szoboszlai almost secured another assist, only for a deflection to deny him. His impact in key matches has been clear, and when his minutes are carefully managed, he shines as one of Liverpool’s standout performers. His creativity is matched by his work rate, and that’s why it’s so important to ensure he remains fit and fresh throughout the season.

Time to Be Cautious

With the congested fixture list approaching, it’s crucial Liverpool take precautions with Szoboszlai. Carabao Cup and FA Cup matches, as much as they can offer opportunities for squad players, should not feature their Hungarian talisman. He needs to be reserved for the Premier League and European nights, where his quality is irreplaceable. If Liverpool hope to make a title challenge this season, they need to manage their key players’ minutes – and Szoboszlai tops that list.

Over the past two seasons, we’ve seen that availability has always been the key underlying issue and there’s hope it’ll be different from now on. The current squad has enough depth to handle domestic cup games without risking the likes of Szoboszlai in early rounds. Keeping him fit for the big matches is non-negotiable.

Ignore Criticism

There’s been little to fault Szoboszlai for this season, but Gary Neville’s remarks over the weekend are perhaps the only notable criticism that could be levied against the Hungarian. Neville didn’t hold back, stating, “He’s messing about there. He should be absolutely rollicked by the rest of his team-mates for that. That’s a liberty. It’s the sort of thing you’d do in training and get a telling off, never mind in a match at Old Trafford.”

While Szoboszlai’s decision not to take a shot might have raised eyebrows, this moment means nothing in the context of his season. On the whole, his contribution to Liverpool’s early campaign has been nothing short of brilliant. Yes, he could pull the trigger a bit more with the right foot that he has, but he’s often doing the hard yards and showing his technical skills at the same time.

King Of The Press

Dominik Szoboszlai is fast becoming Liverpool’s heartbeat in midfield. His work rate, creativity, and ability to influence games have made him indispensable to Jürgen Klopp’s side. However, as we move into the most challenging part of the season, the club must be careful with their Hungarian engine. Last season’s injury woes are a reminder of what can happen when players are overworked, and Liverpool cannot afford to lose Szoboszlai to fatigue or injury this time around. Managing his minutes will be key, and while his 33.9km run so far is impressive, it’s a statistic that needs to be monitored. The season is long, and Liverpool will need Szoboszlai firing on all cylinders when it matters most. I’ll even let that sheepskin gilet thing go.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Dominik Szoboszlai’s Impact at Liverpool

Szoboszlai’s Season Breakdown

Since his arrival at Anfield, Dominik Szoboszlai has swiftly become a linchpin in Liverpool’s midfield, a fact underscored by his recent performances. His ability to shape games is not just anecdotal; it’s quantifiable and palpable. This season, Szoboszlai has logged more kilometres on the pitch than any of his teammates, marking him as the most industrious player in the red part of Merseyside. With 33.9km covered in games to date, he stands out not just for the distance he clocks but how he utilises each metre.

Contribution Beyond Running

Performance data and stats offer a deeper insight into Szoboszlai’s role. Looking at Szoboszlai’s passing and creativity numbers they jump off the page, as the Hungarian skipper boasts an impressive numbers of Progressive Carries & Progressive Passes received both sitting in the high 90s. Adding to these impressive impactful numbers are his actual creativity numbers as he sits in the very high 90s for xAG, npxG + xAG & Shot Creating Actions.

Decisive Moments and Creativity

Szoboszlai’s flair is perhaps best demonstrated by his creative output, which includes 2 assists and numerous key passes that have led to significant opportunities for Liverpool. His assist in the crucial match against Manchester United epitomises his ability to deliver when it matters most. Such stats illustrate why his performance cannot be overlooked when discussing Liverpool’s tactical setup and success.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s stats and data not only outline his importance but also encapsulate the essence of modern football where every touch and movement is measured. As Liverpool continue to rely on his broad skill set, Szoboszlai’s numbers are expected to be a barometer of his and the team’s performance throughout the season. Thus, keeping him fit and in form is paramount for the Reds as they navigate through the demands of the Premier League and European competitions.