Dominik Szoboszlai’s performance for Liverpool during the 2024/25 season has sparked considerable discussion. Evaluating his contributions, particularly in scoring, has proven difficult. Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, has expressed concerns about the Hungarian midfielder’s limited goal output, while acknowledging his strong pressing skills. At 23, Szoboszlai is a key player in Slot’s system, but his low goal tally has raised doubts about his effectiveness in a more attacking midfield role.
James Pearce from The Athletic shared similar views on the Walk On podcast, highlighting Szoboszlai’s disappointing goal count last season, particularly for a team like Liverpool that often dominates possession and creates many chances. With only three goals in the Premier League last season, Pearce noted that expectations for a midfielder in this role at Liverpool are understandably higher.
In the current season, Szoboszlai has managed three goal contributions in seven matches, showing some progress but still facing criticism. This has led to questions about whether Slot should consider benching him if his offensive output does not improve.
While scoring is crucial for his position, Szoboszlai’s work rate and pressing must also be recognized. He plays a vital role in Slot’s tactical setup, and substituting him could weaken the team’s pressing effectiveness. For example, Harvey Elliott may offer more goal-scoring potential but might not match Szoboszlai’s defensive contributions.
Curtis Jones could also be a contender for more playing time. He performed well after replacing Szoboszlai in a recent game against Wolves, yet replacing other key players like Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister is a challenge due to their strong form.
There are lingering questions about the future of the No.10 role at Liverpool. Szoboszlai’s missed opportunity against Crystal Palace still weighs on him, as it was a crucial chance to mitigate criticism regarding his scoring. Such opportunities must be seized, especially given the expectations on attacking midfielders to contribute offensively.
It seems unlikely that Slot will drop Szoboszlai for the upcoming match against Crystal Palace, though he might consider a midweek rest. Szoboszlai’s pressing remains essential, and Slot will likely keep him in the lineup unless his goal contributions do not improve. If that situation arises, Szoboszlai could be at risk of being benched, especially if the team’s performance dips before the international break.
However, considering Szoboszlai’s overall contributions beyond just goals, Slot may be reluctant to make significant changes. As long as Szoboszlai is vital to the team’s pressing strategy, he is unlikely to be sidelined unless the lack of goals becomes too significant to overlook.
