Liverpool Star Hailed After Being Handed Brand New Position for Country
A Liverpool star has been told he can be "one of the best in the world" in a brand new role which he had never played before until Saturday night.
The reigning champions have made a perfect start to the new Premier League campaign, where they are the only side with a perfect record after three wins out of three.
And though their Reds spent more than £400 million a flurry of new recruits, arguably their top performer so far has been Dominik Szoboszlai.
A £60 million signing from RB Leipzig in 2023, Szoboszlai arrived as an attacking midfielder and slotted into a midfield three under Jurgen Klopp.
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He played there as Liverpool won the league in Arne Slot's first season but in two out of the three games this term, he has been deployed at right-back and performed incredibly well against Newcastle and Arsenal.
Though Jeremie Frimpong was signed as the replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Szoboszlai has emerged as a surprise option for at right-back.
But fresh from his phenomenal free-kick winner against Arsenal, the 24-year-old operated in a very different position on international duty.
He captained Hungary to a 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland, with Hungary surrendering a two-goal lead after goalscorer Rolland Sallai was sent off minutes into the second half.
Hungary manager hails Szoboszlai display
Szoboszlai, who registered an assist, played in a deeper midfield position and manager Marco Rossi was delighted with his display, even going as far as saying that his skipper has the potential to be one of the best around in the role.
“Dominik Szoboszlai’s defensive play was positive,” Rossi said.
“After the sending off, we switched to a 5-3-1, so we could no longer put pressure on the opponent.
“He can play in any position, as he has proven in the Premier League, but we think he can be one of the best in the world in the number six, defensive midfield position.”
At Liverpool, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister typically play in the No.6 role, with Wataru Endo also filling in.
But Szoboszlai's versatility is hugely beneficial to Slot as they look to compete on all four fronts this season.
Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez are back in action for Hungary as they take on Portugal on Tuesday, before they return to Liverpool for a trip to Burnley.
Josh Lawless