Dominik Szoboszlai downplayed his Man of the Match award after netting a stoppage-time free-kick in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Arsenal, instead praising Ibrahima Konaté as the true standout performer.
The Hungarian midfielder surprised journalists by stressing that his decisive goal only mattered because of Konaté’s defensive heroics.
“I handed him the award because he truly deserved it,” Szoboszlai said. “Sure, I scored, but he’s the one who kept us in the game. Without his defending, there would have been no clean sheet—and no match-winner from me.”
Konaté produced a near-perfect display, completely nullifying Arsenal striker Victor Gyökeres, who later confessed the Frenchman was the toughest opponent he’d ever faced.
From commanding aerial duels to making vital challenges, Konaté prevented Arsenal from finding a breakthrough and drew admiration from both teammates and supporters.
Szoboszlai’s modesty and appreciation for his colleague underlined the strong team spirit within Arne Slot’s Liverpool squad.
Though Szoboszlai’s late strike grabbed the headlines, many felt the night truly belonged to Konaté, whose defensive masterclass turned Anfield into an unbreachable fortress.
