The Hungarian Army Knife: Why Szoboszlai Is Excelling In Makeshift Role

The Hungarian Army Knife: Why Szoboszlai Is Excelling In Makeshift Role

Dominik Szoboszlai was signed from Red Bull Leipzig to be a goalscoring midfielder, scoring worldies week in and week out, like a second coming of Phillipe Coutinho. But instead, he has transformed into a handsome version of James Milner.

This is not an insult; players like this are a manager's dream.

In the early part of his Anfield career, the Hungarian's attacking output was perhaps not what the Liverpool hierarchy had envisioned; however, his work rate and adaptability have made him an indispensable part of Arne Slot's team, even if we never know what position he is is going to be starting in next.

Dominik Szoboszlai is an absolutely immense athlete. Driving Liverpool forward throughout that second half against Burnley, he looked like he could play until next Sunday without shedding a drop of sweat. Mr undroppable.

— Beth Lindop (@beth_lindop) September 14, 2025

Jack Of All Trades

As he approaches 100 games for the Reds, Szoboszlai has already been deployed in five different positions, from his Leipzig-esque role in attacking midfield to a deeper number eight, as well as a "false nine", left-winger, and, most recently, a right-back.

Steven Gerrard was recently asked which member of the current Liverpool squad most resembled him, and he responded without hesitation with Szoboszlai. The similarities between the two go beyond just the iconic number eight kit number. Gerrard would often be deployed all over the pitch and still be the best player. If you don't believe us, rewatch the 2005 Champions League final.

Steven Gerrard playing right back for Liverpool during the Champions League Final in Istanbul. Liverpool Legend 8️⃣ pic.twitter.com/2NqVjyFRRn

— Slots Baldy Head (@ScouseRed0151) July 11, 2025

While Szoboszlai has a long way to go before being set on a pedastal alongside the LFC legend, his similar style has made him a firm fan favourite at Anfield.

The Right-Back Experiment

Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid in the summer was well publicised, and people's attention naturally turned to Liverpool's right-back position. The emergence of Connor Bradley and the signing of Jeremie Frimpong allayed any fears that may have been present, with the Reds seemingly well stocked in that position.

So, did anybody expect Dominik Szoboszlai to be the starting right-back by September? No.

Bradley came into the season with a niggling issue, and Frimpong picked up a hamstring injury on the opening day. This left Arne Slot scratching his head.

Liverpool's next two fixtures read as Newcastle away and title rivals Arsenal at home. Not an ideal time for an injury crisis. But, up stepped Szoboszlai, who played every second of both games in a new position, picked up six points, and capped it off with an all-timer of a free kick to win the game against Arsenal at Anfield.

Congratulations, Dominik Szoboszlai! 🔴

His free-kick against Arsenal is August's goal of the month 👏 pic.twitter.com/i5yXSqvdbg

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 14, 2025

Not to mention the ingenious dummy in the build-up to Rio Ngumoha's 100th-minute winner at St. James Park.

Ahead of the Burnley game, Liverpool had both Frimpong and Bradley back from injury. Who started at right-back? You guessed it, Szoboszlai.

Even when Frimpong came off the bench, the Hungarian slotted seamlessly into midfield as Liverpool earned another win.

Dominik Szoboszlai vs Burnley:

• Accurate Passes - 63/70 (90%)
• Touches - 98
• Successful Dribbles - 1/1 (100%)
• Final 3rd Passes - 10
• Accurate Long Balls - 7/8 (88%)
• Recoveries - 4
• Interceptions - 2

🇭🇺🔴 pic.twitter.com/fbRbL4ToJu

— Anfield Agenda (@AnfieldAgenda) September 14, 2025

Fan Opinion

As mentioned previously, the comparison to a player like Milner is not to be taken lightly. The veteran midfielder is on his way to becoming the leading appearance maker in Premier League history and is adored by Liverpool fans.

It wasn't long ago that fans were calling for their number eight to be dropped from the side due to a string of ineffective performances. Fast forward to the present, and Szoboszlai has been the standout player in the early parts of the season and has shown a willingness to play anywhere for the cause.

Liverpool's summer recruitment was immense, particularly in the forward line. Florian Wirtz will be a mainstay in Szoboszlai's preferred position, while the frontline is stocked with talent. At the same time, Alexis MacAllister and Ryan Gravenberch have an unbreakable partnership in the middle of the park. If Szoboszlai wants to be a part of this side, this adaptability is not only desirable, but absolutely essential.

Dominik Szoboszlai is one of our most important players and he just showed that. He might not be our No.10 but his versatility is crucial and also a quality player.

RB, No.6, No.8, No.10, LW/RW, False 9, he can literally do it all. pic.twitter.com/4Wlixtxkk3

— Samuel (@SamueILFC) August 25, 2025