Wolves 1 – 3 Liverpool – PL Man of the Match
Dominik Szoboszlai
As the first half closed out with a lucky (for the reds) 0-1 deficit, I thought there was a good chance that the reds would be lacking a deserving man of the match article today. Only Alisson Becker, Jarell Quansah, and Andy Robertson, showed any sign of first half form as Wolves picked off a lacklustre Liverpool team at will. During that horrible opening 45 minutes, every 12.30 kick off time fear was vindicated, as even the TNT commentators noted how the continual post international kick off time was a detrimental factor that must be explored by the Premier League. The TNT producers will no doubt be fuming at the broadcasting of this obvious fact, given the channels desire to put the reds on their channel at any given opportunity.
Dom Szobo 115 touches
For an ostensibly attacking player that’s incredible.
And he’s already covered 12km+ in 3 PL games.
Unbelievably good signing. The guy is a cyborg. #lfc— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) September 16, 2023
Much like the above link, from the ashes of despair rose a Terminator cyborg, one that tore through and dominated a second half display to his own footballing will. After a half time move into a more central system, his German manager trusted in elite levels players digging themselves away from adversity, as Luis Diaz allowed a formation shift that very much suited our Hungarian captain. Creation, urgency, brilliance, and maturity, were all factors in an elevated display from the visiting team. Andy Robertson deserves mention for a spirited display as match day skipper, yet the game swinging into the direction of Klopp’s men was orchestrated by a top tier second half display by our 6ft 1inch midfielder.
Dominik Szoboszlai vs Wolves
• 81/97 (84%) passes (2nd)
• 115 touches (1st)
• 2 shots (2nd)
• 2 clearances
• 6 recoveries
• 20 final 3rd passesRan the game second half. He’s some player you know. pic.twitter.com/qL7VIL8xMS
— LFC Stats (@LFCData) September 16, 2023
As the dust on an emotional transfer window settles, it is now difficult to look at that period as anything but a success, not perfection mind, yet a Dominik Szoboszlai sized success. There was times last season when an LFC team lacking the magical control of Thiago or the creation of Trent, meant that patterns of play and sustained success were impossible. The reds were humbled at this very ground last season and it looked like that may happen once again. Our new number eight took the game ball in his hands (in the second half) and proceeded to drive his side to the required yardage to secure the points that were needed. This is not a flash in the pan and expectations should not be dampened down. The world class level of our summer signing was in full control and overcome mode for the second period of this game, which could see tremendous success achieved due to his excellent performances.
Replacing Jordan Henderson with today’s man of the match is perhaps the biggest upgrade since Mohamed Salah replaced a limited Adam Lallana.
