Slot Could Finally Axe Dominik Szoboszlai by Unleashing Liverpool’s “Special” Talent Instead
Last weekend, Liverpool secured a victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, though the performance itself was far from outstanding. Still, there’s a common belief that winning despite not playing your best is a sign of a true champion.
To some extent, this holds true for Liverpool, who have dominated several teams since Arne Slot took charge.
Manchester United were humbled at Old Trafford, and Liverpool triumphed over AC Milan in their Champions League opener at the San Siro. West Ham United were also convincingly defeated at Anfield in the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool now prepare to host Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday, before facing Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
This will be followed by yet another international break. Afterward, they will take on Arsenal and Chelsea, two fixtures that could bring their own challenges.
Certain players will need to elevate their game, with Dominik Szoboszlai being the most prominent among them.
Szoboszlai was placed in a deeper role than he might have preferred under Jurgen Klopp last season. However, this tactical adjustment proved effective overall. Despite this, Slot’s system requires a number ten, and the Hungary captain fits this role, though it’s unfamiliar territory for him.
Szoboszlai adds energy and a positive influence to Liverpool’s attack, helping to improve fluidity. However, he has not been delivering the level of statistics that Slot and Liverpool supporters would hope for.
So far, in seven matches this season, the 23-year-old has scored just one goal and provided one assist. His inconsistent performance against Wolves was highlighted by a glaring miss in the first half, failing to convert a close-range shot after a precise cross from Diogo Jota.
As Liverpool prepare to face Italian opposition on Wednesday, it might be time for a change. Slot may be inclined to shake things up, and one possible adjustment could be starting Curtis Jones in Szoboszlai’s position.
Dominik Szoboszlai Ideal Replacement
Slot has already shown a ruthless approach at Liverpool, and although Szoboszlai is undoubtedly a highly skilled player, his current performances haven’t yet reached the level he is capable of this season.
A temporary move to the bench for the upcoming Champions League match could be the push the dynamic playmaker needs to elevate his game. With Jones waiting for his opportunity, it seems like an obvious choice.
On paper, Jones possesses the ideal skillset for ‘Slotball,’ which emphasizes control and fluidity in possession. According to FBref, he is ranked in the top 13% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the last year for assists, the top 9% for pass completion, the top 5% for progressive carries, the top 4% for successful take-ons, and the top 22% for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.
Jones played a key role during Liverpool’s pre-season but was unfortunately sidelined by an injury in August, disrupting his early-season form.
He has come off the bench in Liverpool’s last three Premier League games but earned his first starting spot against West Ham in the Carabao Cup last week, where he impressed in a hybrid and versatile midfield role.
| Curtis Jones: Stats vs West Ham (5-1 win) | |
|---|---|
| Match Stats | # |
| Minutes played | 90′ |
| Assists | 1 |
| Touches | 60 |
| Shots (on target) | 4 (1) |
| Big chances missed | 2 |
| Accurate passes | 42/44 (95%) |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Dribbles (completed) | 2 (2) |
| Total duels (won) | 7 (2) |
| Stats Source: Sofascore | |
The Liverpool Echo’s Paul Gorst issued a glowing endorsement after the display, writing: “Always wanted the ball and was constantly showing for it. Brilliant piece of play at the beginning and end of the move that created the second goal, it was his threaded pass to Jota. Unlucky not to have a goal of his own.”
He is dynamic and proactive, often driving forward and splitting defenses with precise passes. Recognized by one analyst for his “truly special” playing style, Jones’ passing accuracy and on-ball intelligence hint at a promising future under Slot’s guidance. He certainly deserves a spot in the starting lineup.
Apologies to Szoboszlai, but it’s time to take a seat on the bench.
In other Liverpool news, Owen Hargreaves Claims Liverpool Will Struggle to Win Premier League Without One Key Player This Season
