Liverpool star should be Player of the Year contender – and tipped to replace Virgil van Dijk as captain

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Dominik Szoboszlai is having an outstanding season – he must be in the conversation for the PFA Player of the Year award.

That’s the view of ex-Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, who has insisted the Reds star deserves recognition for his heroic displays this term.

Dominik Szoboszlai kickstarted the comeback in Liverpool's 4-0 thrashing of Galatasaray
Dominik Szoboszlai kickstarted the comeback in Liverpool’s 4-0 thrashing of Galatasaray

Szoboszlai has been a shining light in a challenging campaign for his team, who have struggled to replicate last year’s title-winning form.

While Arne Slot‘s side find themselves locked in a battle for Champions League qualification, they produced a stunning performance in the competition’s round of 16 in midweek.

The Reds came from 1-0 down in the tie to thrash Galatasaray 4-0 at Anfield, and set up a quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Szoboszlai was once again the driving force, who opened the scoring with a fine finish and was later named Player of the Match.

This saw him take his tally to 12 goals in all competitions this season, with only Hugo Ekitike ahead of him for the Reds, despite the Hungarian featuring in midfield and out of position at right-back across his 42 appearances.

‘Dragging us along’

Szoboszlai earned huge praise from ex-Liverpool man Pennant for his consistent, high-quality showings this term.

So much so, that he likened the 25-year-old’s all-action displays in the No.8 jersey to club icon Steven Gerrard, who became famed for single-handedly carrying the Reds for seasons on end.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool, Pennant gushed: “What he’s been doing, do you know what? He’s wearing that number eight jersey and he’s making everyone proud. 

“That’s like the number seven of Dalglish – the number eight for Steven Gerrard. 

“And it was big boots to fill, but the way he’s conducting himself and the season that we’re having – he is dragging us along. 

Dominik Szoboszlai against Galatasaray
Szoboszlai has been told he is honouring Liverpool’s iconic No.8 jerseyCredit: Getty
Steven Gerrard for Liverpool in 2010
The shirt was famously worn by legendary former Reds skipper, Steven GerrardCredit: Getty

“He is chipping in with important goals, he’s covering every blade of grass and I think, at 25, he still hasn’t reached his twilight years yet, his prime. He probably will get better. 

“So for me, what I’m seeing, I love it. I think he’s a great guy, great attitude, and he loves the club and works hard every time he plays.”

Player of the year shouts 

While Szoboszlai has earned plaudits for being Liverpool’s driving force in a difficult season, his performances haven’t quite translated when it comes to individual recognition. 

With voting for the PFA Player of the Year award fast approaching, the Hungary star finds himself with less than favourable odds to clinch the individual prize.

Among the favourites for the award are Arsenal quartet Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.

Also boasting better odds are Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland, as well as his teammate, January arrival Antoine Semenyo, and talismanic Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes

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