Why Liverpool are pushing to sign this Bundesliga star
Liverpool have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to build on the acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister earlier in the summer.
The Hungarian currently has a release clause of around £55 million included in his current contract, but that term expires on June 30th.
After that date, the price tag for the midfielder will likely rise to around £70 million.
The 22-year-old has become a star in the Bundesliga since his move to BR Leipzig from RB Salzburg back in 2021.
In 91 appearances for Leipzig, the Hungarian has scored 20 goals and assisted a further 22.
In the 2022/23 alone, the youngster managed 10 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, including the UEFA Champions League.
Despite still being such a young player, Szoboszlai is the current captain of the Hungary National Team where he has made 32 caps and scored seven goals.
With news that Liverpool are pushing ahead with the signing, lets take a look at why they are looking to sign the Hungarian International.
https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1674712188706013185?s=20
Why Szoboszlai is the perfect fit for the Reds
Szoboszlai is not only the perfect Jurgen Klopp midfielder, but he is also everything that Liverpool’s midfield has been missing for a number of years.
Technically, he is an amazing footballer that can link-up the midfield and the forward line in a way that has very rarely been seen since Klopp arrived back in 2015.
The 22-year-old is the ideal build that Klopp likes in his midfield, being an athletic and powerful player at 6’1”.
Similar physical attributes to Curtis Jones and Jordan Henderson, but with much more pace and agility.
Szoboszlai would be one of the best at the club with his terrific first-touch and link-up play being hard to find across European football.
He’s also a magnificent finisher, scoring plenty of goals from outside the box as well as making late runs into the box.
Another key attribute that the Hungarian has is his versatility, which is always highly thought of by Jurgen Klopp.
Although Szoboszlai’s natural position is an attacking midfielder, he can also operate as a number eight as well as on either wing and even as a false-nine.
Szoboszlai would likely play as one of the advanced eights in Klopp’s new system alongside Alexis Mac Allister and ahead of Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
This would give him the ultimate opportunity to act as a link to the forward line in the build-up of play, as well as get himself on the scoresheet to ease some of the pressure on the attackers.
The numbers behind the success:
The Hungarian not only passes the eye-test, but his numbers are also incredible to back up what you see on the pitch yourself.
His passing stats are immense and fantastically well-rounded. Here are some of his finest statistics behind his midfield magic:
- Passes completed per 90- 44.46
- Pass completion % per 90- 80%
- Key passes per 90- 2.38
- Passes into final third per 90- 3.57
- Progressive passes per 90- 5.49
As mentioned above, Szoboszlai also has a clear eye for goal and has hit double figures in goals in both seasons at RB Leipzig.
Here are some of his impressive shooting statistics:
- Shots per 90- 2.12
- Shots on target per 90- 0.90
- Shots on target %- 42.5%
And finally, the youngster is still more than capable defensively which is a massive part of playing in midfield under Jurgen Klopp.
Here are some of his impressive defensive stats from the past year:
- Tackles per 90- 1.54
- Blocks per 90- 1.48
- Passes blocked per 90- 1.42
- Interceptions per 90- 0.52
- Clearances per 90- 0.90
Summary:
I believe Szoboszlai is everything that Jurgen Klopp’s midfield is currently missing and could prove to be a fantastic addition both right now and for the long-term future of the club.
The youngster would not only be a fix to Liverpool’s midfield problems, but also providing extra depth to the Reds’ front line.
This means that after securing this signing, the Reds can completely focus on defensive signings to further bolster the squad for the 2023/24 campaign.
A fee of £60 million would be reasonable to both clubs, especially with Liverpool’s Fabio Carvalho already securing a loan move to RB Leipzig in this transfer window.
The Hungarian could become to us what Kevin De Bruyne is to Manchester City.
