Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Dominik Szoboszlai, Steven Gerrard, Liverpool, Premier League, Football
Joe Adams
Topics: Dominik Szoboszlai, Steven Gerrard, Liverpool, Premier League, Football
Dominik Szoboszlai has explained why he picked Liverpool's iconic No 8 shirt and the reason behind his Steven Gerrard tattoo.
Szoboszlai completed his £60 million move to Liverpool from RB Leipzig on Sunday afternoon, becoming Jurgen Klopp's second signing of the summer.
His arrival follows that of Alexis Mac Allister, who has taken the No. 10 shirt since his move from Brighton, which was previously occupied by Sadio Mane before his move to Bayern Munich last summer.
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Meanwhile, Szoboszlai inherited the No. 8 shirt which is now vacant following Naby Keita's departure, but, of course, most famously worn by Gerrard.
Gerrard has been the benchmark for many Liverpool players in recent years, following his Istanbul heroics and captain's contribution to the Merseyside club.
That admiration is no different for Szoboszlai, who has a quote from the former England midfielder on his arm, which reads: “Talent is a divine blessing, but without incredible will and humility, it is worth nothing.”
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And the 22-year-old has finally lifted the lid on its influence.
Szoboszlai explains Gerrard tattoo
Speaking in an interview with LFCTV discussing his move to Anfield, the Hungary international explained his decision to take up the No. 8 shirt.
“Not [for] a special reason, but of course it’s a great number,” he said.
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“A lot of great players had this number.
“And also I have a tattoo from Steven Gerrard, what he said – I don’t even remember when but before – so it was also a reason why.”
Before Gerrard, the No. 8 shirt was worn by Emile Heskey, with other notable incumbents including Oyvind Leonhardsen, Stan Collymore, Jamie Redknapp and Paul Stewart.
Szoboszlai will dream of replicating Gerrard's heroics in a red shirt, as he attempts to haul Liverpool back into title contention following their disappointing 2022/23 campaign.