Salah: Liverpool colleague Szoboszlai ranks among top players globally
Mohamed Salah has referred to teammate Dominik Szoboszlai as “one of the best players in the world” following the Hungary international’s goal for Liverpool in their 3-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
Szoboszlai scored Liverpool’s second goal of the evening, aiding the Reds in advancing to the fifth round of the FA Cup. This goal marked the midfielder’s 10th of the season, putting him on track to exceed his previous best goal tally in a single season (12 goals for RB Leipzig in 2019-20).
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When asked if Liverpool can secure the FA Cup this season, Salah stated to TNT Sports: “It will depend on his [Szoboszlai’s] performances. He is currently one of the best players in the world. It’s beneficial for everyone, and I hope we can achieve it again.”
“I’m pleased we were able to win the match today. It was significant for our confidence.”
Szoboszlai has emerged as Liverpool’s key player this season and has been suggested in some circles as a potential future club captain after Virgil van Dijk.
In response to a question during his news conference about whether the 25-year-old possesses the qualities to be a leader within the team, head coach Arne Slot remarked: “Yes, but he is still young. He already has many qualities, particularly in terms of leading by example.”
“There is still progress to be made regarding leadership, particularly in being a vocal presence in the dressing room when compared to Virgil, which is entirely normal. Virgil is 34 and has experienced players like [James] Milner and [Jordan] Henderson, so it’s beneficial for Dominik to observe Virgil, and that will be the next step for him; to be as vocal and assertive as Virgil, but that develops over time.”
“However, in all other aspects, he has a lot to offer to become a very influential player for Liverpool, and you could consider that as being a leader.”
Szoboszlai is currently in his third season at Anfield after joining from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
“Dominik is a great example of the model we are implementing at this club,” Slot added. “We recruit young players from different leagues, in this case, Leipzig, where he was already recognized for his physicality, but I think it’s fair to say that the player we acquired was already good, and now he is much improved compared to two-and-a-half years ago.”
“That is the benefit of signing young players, allowing them some time and giving them ample playing opportunities. That’s why the path he has taken can be the same for other players we have brought in from various leagues.”
Szoboszlai’s goal on Saturday—his fifth in the last eight matches—was yet another addition to his growing collection of impressive strikes as he unleashed a powerful first-time shot into the net.
“I strive to perform my best in every match, and when I get the opportunity to shoot, I ultimately decide to take the shot. Sometimes I strike it well, and it finds the back of the net,” Szoboszlai told ESPN. “I just want to keep progressing.”
