Dominik Szoboszlai has been one of Liverpool’s most important players at various points this season, but there is no escaping the fact that his recent performances are becoming a serious concern.
The Hungarian endured a difficult evening against Fenerbahce, struggling both in the number 10 position and when operating at right-back. For a player who is supposed to bring energy, quality and leadership to this Liverpool side, it was a performance that raised plenty of questions.
And it wasn’t just about his footballing ability.
It was his decision-making, positional discipline and apparent lack of concentration at crucial moments that frustrated me most.
Playing wherever he wants isn’t helping Liverpool
Szoboszlai started in an advanced midfield role, but I struggled to see what Liverpool were getting from him.
Bradley Barcola was already having a difficult evening playing through the middle, but the lack of connection between the two certainly didn’t help.
Barcola looked isolated for long periods, with Liverpool struggling to get the ball into dangerous areas and provide him with the support he needed.
Szoboszlai was supposed to be the creative link, but instead there were periods when he appeared to drift away from his responsibilities.
His energy and willingness to get around the pitch are normally major assets, but there is a difference between being versatile and simply playing wherever you want.
Liverpool need structure. They need players to understand their positions and responsibilities, particularly when the team is trying to protect a lead.
The defensive side of his game is becoming a concern
The situation became even more frustrating when Szoboszlai was operating at right-back.
His ability to fill in across different positions is valuable, and nobody can question his commitment to helping the team.
However, being able to play right-back doesn’t automatically make you a good right-back.
There were moments when his positional awareness was questionable, and his concentration appeared to disappear at precisely the wrong time.
For Fenerbahce’s second equaliser, Archie Brown was allowed to arrive unmarked at the back post.
Szoboszlai was among those who failed to track the danger, and Liverpool were punished.
These are the details that separate good players from reliable ones. You cannot switch off at this level and expect to get away with it.
Pointing fingers at Trey Nyoni doesn’t help
One moment that particularly irritated me was seeing Szoboszlai pointing towards Trey Nyoni and seemingly instructing the youngster where he should be positioning himself.
Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with experienced players helping younger teammates. In fact, that is exactly what Liverpool need.
Nyoni is only 18, and having senior players around him to guide his development is important.
But leadership starts with doing your own job properly.
Before pointing at a young midfielder and telling him what to do, Szoboszlai needs to make sure his own responsibilities are being fulfilled.
Nyoni was arguably Liverpool’s best player on the night, scoring his first senior goal and delivering another impressive performance.
He deserves encouragement, not to become a convenient distraction from the shortcomings of more experienced teammates.
Iraola has a difficult decision to make
I don’t believe Szoboszlai is suddenly a bad footballer. We know the quality he possesses, and his energy, pressing and ability to contribute in different positions can be hugely important.
But something isn’t quite right at the moment.
Andoni Iraola needs to decide where he gets the best out of him.
If he is playing at number 10, he needs to provide creativity, connect the midfield with the attack and make things happen.
If he is filling in at right-back, he needs to understand his defensive responsibilities and maintain his concentration.
He cannot be allowed to compromise the team’s shape simply because he has the freedom to cover multiple positions.
Liverpool have enough problems to solve without creating additional ones through positional uncertainty.
Time for some honest questions
Szoboszlai has earned plenty of credit during his time at Anfield, and I don’t want to overlook the good performances he has produced.
But reputations should not guarantee places in the starting eleven.
Liverpool have just suffered two defeats in a difficult week, and the Fenerbahce game exposed plenty of weaknesses.
Szoboszlai was one of the players who needed to take responsibility, yet his performance left more questions than answers.
I want to see the energy and commitment we know he possesses, but I also want to see discipline, concentration and an understanding of what the team needs from him.
Pointing at Trey Nyoni is easy. Doing your own job properly is what matters.
Iraola needs to get the best out of Szoboszlai again, because right now he is becoming part of the problem rather than the solution.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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