Andoni Iraola Faces Major Decision on How to Use World-Class Liverpool Star

Dominik Szoboszlai was one of the most interesting names in Dave Davis and Michael Reid’s Anfield Index discussion about Andoni Iraola. If Liverpool are moving towards a more aggressive, pressing and direct style, Szoboszlai looks like an obvious fit. As Davis put it, when people think of “who can press” in Liverpool’s squad, they will naturally look at Szoboszlai and Iraola as “a match made in heaven.”

The question, though, is not simply whether Szoboszlai will play. It is where he will play. Under Iraola, that could become one of Liverpool’s most fascinating tactical decisions.

Szoboszlai’s Numbers Stand Out

Reid was clear about how influential Szoboszlai had been for Liverpool. He described his statistics as “scary” and said he was “all first, second, and third” across Liverpool’s internal rankings.

The list was striking. Reid said Szoboszlai was “joint first” for assists, “equal four” for league goals, first for chances created, second for shots, second for touches and third for completed passes. Then came the defensive numbers, “second for tackles,” “second for interceptions,” and he “won possession more than any other Liverpool player.”

That range explains why Iraola may value him so highly. Reid called him “a jack of all trades player,” adding, “Whatever you asked him to do, he could do.”

Midfield Role Looks Possible

One of the most important parts of the conversation was whether Szoboszlai could play in a double pivot under Iraola. Reid believes he can.

“I think he can play in a double pivot in an Iraola system,” Reid said, using Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as a comparison. Reid described Scott as “a very attacking player,” but said Iraola made him “play very effectively” in a deeper midfield role.

That could be significant for Liverpool. Szoboszlai has the engine to press, the technique to progress the ball and the defensive numbers to handle more responsibility. Reid suggested that, with “someone with more of a ball winner” alongside him, Szoboszlai could use his “quality on the ball to progress upfield.”

Attacking Midfield Still Makes Sense

Davis also raised the possibility that Iraola might look back at Liverpool’s title winning season and see Szoboszlai as “the 10” and “the presser.” That role still feels natural, especially in a system that demands intensity high up the pitch.

Reid did not rule it out. He said Szoboszlai could do “whatever Iraola wants him to do,” whether that means playing “in a midfield two or further forward.”

The complication is Florian Wirtz. Reid said, “the problem is you’ve got Florian Wirtz who wants to play there.” That means Iraola may need to choose carefully, or find a way to fit both players into the same attacking structure.

Right Back Should Be Avoided

One thing Reid was firmer on was what Liverpool should not do. “What we don’t want to see, I think, is him play right back anymore,” he said.

His reasoning was simple. Szoboszlai may be able to do “a very good job at right back,” but Liverpool lose something important when he is moved there. “If he’s at right back, our midfield is weaker,” Reid said.

That line captures the whole debate. Szoboszlai’s adaptability is useful, but it should not become a reason to move him away from the areas where he can most influence Liverpool’s pressing and build up.

Iraola Has Options

There was also a brief discussion about Szoboszlai playing wide. Reid agreed with a viewer who suggested his best position could be “out wide on the left,” saying, “I really like him as a winger as well.”

That does not mean it is the obvious solution. It creates selection questions around Cody Gakpo and potential new attackers. But for Iraola, those are positive problems.

As Reid put it, Szoboszlai “can play any of these roles.” That may make him one of the most valuable players in the new Liverpool setup.

Under Andoni Iraola, Dominik Szoboszlai could be a number 10, part of a midfield two, a wide option or the team’s pressing leader. The only clear warning from the Anfield Index discussion was that Liverpool should resist wasting him at right back. In Reid’s words, “I think that’s player that will really enjoy working with.”