Alan Smith has lauded Liverpool’s new boy Dominik Szoboszlai and how he wants the ball ‘all the time’.
Even though the 22-year-old is still in his early days as a Liverpool player, he has been one of the top performers for Jurgen Klopp this season – Paul Merson doesn’t think he has had a bad game.
An engine built and powered in Germany and admired by Jurgen Klopp, swapping the Bundesliga for the Premier League doesn’t seem to have phased Dominik Szoboszlai.
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith thinks he has ‘settled in so quickly’, but feels he is ‘different’ to David Beckham after being compared to the England legend, as he told Stadium Astro.
Someone like Szoboszlai can operate across the midfield, but he is best served as a number eight where his box-to-box qualities can come to life.
Given that the Hungary star has been in the Premier League only for a matter of months, it will be scary to think how he will perform once that non-stop engine of his is really warmed up.
Dominik Szoboszlai makes a flying start at Liverpool
“He has settled so quickly, which is really impressive,” said Smith. “All the challenges involved in coming to a new country – he has taken it like a duck to water.
“The goal he got against Aston Villa was an absolute beauty. He wants the ball all the time. He likes to take that responsibility. He has power as well as skill. He is a modern-day footballer. A fantastic signing. The Liverpool fans have already taken him on as one of their favourites.
“It’s that confidence he has about himself. He knows that he is a good player. He wants to make things happen for his team. It has been the perfect start for Szoboszlai.
On Szoboszlai being dubbed a ‘modern-day David Beckham’: “He is different to Beckham. He isn’t someone who will keep his width and whip those balls in. I think he will drift inside more and make runs into the box.”
Dominik Szoboszlai is perfect for Klopp and vice versa
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Szoboszlai is fitting into Jurgen Klopp’s system like a glove because he has all the characterises to thrive under the Liverpool boss.
He has the energy to burn, the ability to carry the ball from deep, as well as press high to win it back, the intelligence to find space and force the opposition into danger.
Yes, the departure of Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia was a surprise one this summer, but his long-term replacement is already through the doors.
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