Dominik Szoboszlai’s meticulous preparation at the training ground paid off in spectacular fashion during Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League trip to Marseille, where his clever free-kick opened the scoring in a dominant 3–0 victory.
The Hungarian midfielder has quickly become one of Liverpool’s most dangerous set-piece specialists this season, and his goal at the Stade Velodrome highlighted both his skill and tactical awareness.
Dominik Szoboszlai explains free-kick innovation
Szoboszlai described exactly why he chose such a clever approach to his free-kick before it found the net.
“Yeah, I did my homework. I got told that if no one is lying down then maybe I can have a chance to hit it under the wall. No one was lying down, so I tried it and it worked out,” he said.
His low drive under the Marseille wall in first-half stoppage time caught defenders and the goalkeeper off guard, giving Liverpool a crucial lead in an otherwise cagey first period.
The tactic added another layer to Liverpool’s attacking threat and kept the opposition guessing on set plays.
Szoboszlai on free-kick duties and team strategy
Asked about his role as a designated free-kick taker, Szoboszlai emphasised flexibility within Liverpool’s approach.
“Well, we will always discuss about it. We consider who feels good in the game, maybe there are positions where someone else is better,” he continued.
“But yeah, he just asked me if I want to take it. I said yes, because I checked it, if no one is lying down I’m going to take it under the wall. He said ‘OK, then take it’, and I scored,” the Liverpool star concluded.
The victory over Marseille not only boosted Liverpool’s standing in the Champions League group phase but also underlined the importance of players willing to innovate on dead-ball situations.
Szoboszlai’s calm decision-making in a key moment helped set the tone for a comprehensive win that moved the Reds closer to qualification for the knockout stages.
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