Journalist: This Liverpool Star is Proving his Worth Despite Recent Struggles
Liverpool’s recent slump under Arne Slot has been brutal to watch. The 3-2 defeat away to Brentford summed up a run of five losses in six games that have left fans questioning the balance and belief in the side. Yet even within this worrying spell, one player continues to stand out for all the right reasons.
David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, reflected on Dominik Szoboszlai’s consistent drive and resilience despite the wider issues surrounding Liverpool’s faltering performances.
Szoboszlai Setting the Standard
“It’s like the season on a whole so far, I think he has been Liverpool’s best player.”
That assessment from Lynch cuts to the heart of Liverpool’s current predicament. In a side searching for direction, Szoboszlai has become the reference point for energy, effort and adaptability. He has embraced the physical intensity of the Premier League with enthusiasm, covering ground and engaging in duels that many of his teammates have struggled to match.
“Not just because of his versatility, but he gets about and is one of the only players winning his duels at the moment.”
This is precisely what Liverpool need right now. Slot’s philosophy relies heavily on positional intelligence and pressing efficiency, but with the defensive structure faltering and transitions breaking down, Szoboszlai’s personal output stands out as the main thread of consistency. He looks like a player built for the Premier League’s current evolution: fast, technical, and physically relentless.
Jones and Szoboszlai Provide Glimpses of Control
“I actually think Curtis Jones was good too, but they spent a lot of the game watching the ball go over their head.”
It was a telling observation. Against Brentford’s direct play and aggressive pressing, both midfielders worked tirelessly yet were undermined by Liverpool’s defensive and attacking imbalances. The ball bypassed midfield far too often, leaving them chasing shadows in transition. Still, there were signs of stability and intent when Jones and Szoboszlai linked up to recycle possession and progress play through the centre.
“I thought those two gave Liverpool more control of the ball and offered slightly better progression on the ball.”
For a team so often reliant on frantic momentum, moments of calm and composure in midfield are crucial. Lynch’s comments highlight how this pairing offered a glimpse of what Slot’s system could achieve if more players mirrored their focus and discipline.
Bigger Picture Problems
“I liked an awful lot of what that midfield two did, even if I don’t like everything else that was going on around them.”
Liverpool’s midfield duo were bright sparks surrounded by disarray. Defensive lapses, a lack of cohesion between lines and uncertain forward patterns have left Slot searching for solutions. The contrast between individual excellence and collective inconsistency defines this stage of Liverpool’s campaign.
For all Szoboszlai’s effort and technical class, Liverpool need others to raise their standards. Leadership and resilience cannot come from one player alone. As the title defence slips further from reach, Slot must find a way to restore belief, rhythm and unity in a squad that still possesses the quality to recover.
