Arne Slot has carried on Jurgen Klopp’s legacy at Liverpool with three wins in a row. The Reds won their first three English Premier League matches. This also included a victory over Manchester United before the international break. The Dutch manager has gone with the same formation as Klopp used to play. However, he has made a couple of changes to the system, leading to this early success.
Liverpool play with a No. 10 instead of three central midfielders. Dominik Szoboszlai has been promoted to the playmaker role by the Dutch manager. The Hungarian midfielder is very skilful and can create chances for the team. His new role in the team has allowed the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold to join the midfield.
Dominik Szoboszlai joined the Reds ahead of the 2023-24 season. He was a regular starter under Jurgen Klopp. Szoboszlai impressed everyone and proved why he is so highly rated. Now he is playing his second season in England. So, how has the 23-year-old settled under Arne Slot? Let’s have a look.
From the right to the centre
Liverpool have shifted from a 4-3-3 formation to a 4-2-1-3 formation. Arne Slot is opting for a playmaker behind the front three, instead of three box-to-box midfielders. Dominik Szoboszlai played as a right centre-mid under Klopp. This is why his last season’s heatmap shows more intensity towards the right. There is a bit of difference in the positioning of the Hungarian. He is making more runs into the penalty box. Szoboszlai still likes to drift towards the right, but he has taken more advanced positions on the field.
The touch map of Dominik Szoboszlai also indicates the same. Szoboszlai has taken 13 touches inside the penalty box. Some of these touches came in central positions. These touches could even lead to a goal-scoring chance.
The 23-year-old likes to run with the ball. He has the speed and skills to take on opposition players. Last season, the Hungarian was excellent in completing dribbles on the edge of the penalty box. Things are looking a bit different when it comes to box penetrations. Szoboszlai hasn’t attempted a lot of dribbles. Instead, he is carrying the ball from the defensive half to the attacking half. These runs have proven to be a strong part of the Hungarian’s game.
More freedom in the attack
Playing the number 10 role means that Dominik Szoboszlai is not dropping deep into the defence. Instead, he is shielding the middle third for the team. The 23-year-old has made six interceptions, with a couple of them coming in the final third. Szoboszlai has also performed more than half of the defensive actions in the attacking half.
Dominik Szoboszlai has more freedom to play the ball to different parts of the field. He can now distribute the ball to both sides of the field. This role also helps the Hungarian to show his creative side. He already has an assist to his name. Six other shot-assist opportunities could have been converted by the player.
Szoboszlai is not a regular goal-scorer. However, he has a very good technique on the ball. He can attempt long-range efforts. This season, Dominik has attempted five shots but all these shows were blocked by the opposition players. He will now look to get into more space and take his time to score a goal.
Arne Slot will hope that the midfielder continues his good run. All his players have adjusted well to the new tactics. They are pressing high and winning the ball in the attacking areas. Dominik Szoboszlai will likely play a huge role in their fight for the title.
