The Hungarian media have sung the praises of Dominik Szoboszlai after the national team captain shone in a brand-new position during their 2-2 draw with the Republic of Ireland on Saturday. Despite leading 2-0 after the opening fifteen minutes, goals from Evan Ferguson and a 93rd-minute equaliser via Adam Idah, sandwiched between a red card for Roland Sallai, were enough for the two sides to share the points.
Ireland dominated possession and comfortably created more chances, especially after the visitors were reduced to ten men. However, the rearguard performance of Szoboszlai in particular has been well received by national outlets in Hungary, with his manager also suggesting that he could become the best in the world in a brand-new position.
Szoboszlai Shines in New Role
While he has not quite hit the heights expected of him as a more advanced midfielder since joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig, Szoboszlai has been forced to showcase some versatility in order to stay in the team. As of late, he has been deputising as a right-back impressively following Jeremie Frimpong’s injury at the start of the season.
The 24-year-old was praised for his efforts in the unusual role during the win against Newcastle, before he fired home a stunning free-kick prior to the international break to help the Reds secure an all-important three points against Arsenal.
However, following his teammate’s red card early in the second half against Ireland, Szoboszlai was forced to drop into another unfamiliar position as he settled in as a holding midfield player. Despite never operating there for his club, the Hungary skipper was praised by his manager at full-time, who stated his belief that Szoboszlai could become the best in the world in that position.
“Dominik Szoboszlai’s defensive play was positive. 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.”
The change would be similar to that of Ryan Gravenberch, who reignited his Liverpool career after being moulded into a number six by Arne Slot at the start of their title winning campaign last season.
Hungarian media also noted that Szoboszlai happened to play in a deeper role, with Nemzeti Sport claiming that the midfielder ‘organised play from deep’ having started ‘significantly further back than expected.’
The Liverpool star was also labeled a genius for his role in the set-piece that led to Hungary’s second goal on the quarter hour mark.