Liverpool legend John Aldridge has suggested Arne Slot may have Dominik Szoboszlai playing in the wrong position amid recent criticism of his performances.
Although the Reds have made a superb start under their new head coach, there are some obvious areas for improvement. Szoboszlai has been identified as a player by Slot who needs to offer more to the side , with the midfielder having only scored once so far this season despite playing in the No.10 role, and just eight times across all competitions since making the $80m (£60/€72m).
"I think something that we have to work on with him is that he’s also even more involved in scoring goals and creating chances for us," Slot said recently. "Last season he scored three [in the league] if I remember correctly and for an attacking midfielder at Liverpool his numbers need to go up."
Szoboszlai had the chance to increase his tally against Wolves on Saturday after being presented with a golden opportunity by Andy Robertson , only to fire the ball straight at goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
It proved to be a frustrating afternoon for the Hungarian, who made his feelings clear when he was substituted with just over 15 minutes to go. Aldridge though feels Szoboszlai had nothing to complain about.
“I had to have a wry smile when I saw Dominik Szoboszlai’s reaction to being substituted at Wolves on Saturday,” Aldridge wrote in his column for the ECHO . “The Hungarian was shaking his head and didn’t look impressed when his number was held up by the fourth official.
“In truth he should have been thankful to Arne Slot for taking him off as he wasn’t having the best of games. Every player has games where they don’t do well, and that was certainly one where he struggled a lot.
“I’ve heard some people suggest that Szoboszlai thinks he is better than he actually is, but I think that’s a touch unfair on him. What’s definitely true, though, is that he can be better than he is showing right now for Liverpool.
“When he first arrived, he looked a world-beater and adapted to the Premier League almost instantly. The last nine months or so, though, have been a lot more difficult.”
Despite his somewhat indifferent form, Aldridge believes Szoboszlai could still prove to be a big player for Liverpool, although he has suggested Slot may need to find a new role for him.
“Szoboszlai could be an exceptional player. He really could,” Aldridge added. “He has everything in his locker to be a quality player in the modern game.
“The number 10 role is perhaps not natural to him at the moment. But, for me, midfielders have to be capable in several different roles, and the best ones are able to do them all. Szoboszlai and Liverpool have to find out where best suits him.
“Szoboszlai is clearly a big talent and for good reason was he named Hungary captain at such a young age. But he’s not the end product yet, and has to realise he must keep on working at his game. You’re never too old to learn, believe me.”
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