Liverpool’s 3-2 triumph over Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday was overshadowed by sharp criticism from club legend Jamie Carragher, who directed pointed remarks at Dominik Szoboszlai during a live broadcast.
The Hungarian midfielder, who opened the scoring with a well-taken goal, faced scrutiny for what Carragher described as an underwhelming contribution in a Liverpool shirt.
Carragher Calls for More from Szoboszlai
Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports during the match, did not hold back in his assessment of Szoboszlai’s performances since joining Liverpool in a high-profile £60 million move from RB Leipzig in 2023. Despite his goal against Southampton—a gift stemming from a defensive lapse—the 24-year-old’s overall output has left the former Reds defender unimpressed.
“I want to see more from Szoboszlai in a Liverpool shirt,” Carragher remarked. “Every time he goes away with Hungary, he seems to score a brilliant free-kick. If you’re playing as a number 10 for one of the best teams in the country, you need to be among the best players in the league—like Martin Odegaard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden.”
Carragher also highlighted Szoboszlai’s Premier League stats, pointing out his modest tally of four goals in 45 appearances. “It should be three times that,” he added, emphasizing the need for the midfielder to elevate his performances and match the standards of rival playmakers.
Mixed Performances Since Joining Liverpool
Szoboszlai’s time at Anfield has been marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. Since his arrival, the Hungarian international has struggled to establish himself as a dominant force in Liverpool’s midfield. While his technical ability and occasional moments of magic, such as the goal against Southampton, have impressed fans, they have been too infrequent to silence critics.
Under Jurgen Klopp, Szoboszlai’s first season was largely underwhelming, prompting questions about his adaptation to the demands of English football. With Klopp replaced by Arne Slot, the midfielder has been given a more prominent role this season.
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Opportunities Under Arne Slot
Slot has shown faith in Szoboszlai, handing him 12 Premier League appearances so far this season, nine of which have been starts. However, the attacking midfielder’s contribution remains modest—one goal and two assists in the league.
The inconsistency has been a source of frustration for Liverpool fans, who expected more from the highly-rated playmaker. While Szoboszlai’s strike against Southampton was a reminder of his potential, it highlighted the broader question of why such moments have been so rare during his time at Anfield.
Liverpool’s Reliance on Salah
In the same match, Mohamed Salah once again proved why he remains Liverpool’s talisman. The Egyptian forward scored twice in the second half to overturn a 2-1 deficit, securing a crucial three points for the Reds and extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points.
Salah’s contributions this season—12 goals and 10 assists across all competitions—underline his importance to the team, especially as other players, like Szoboszlai, continue to find their footing.
Time Running Out for Szoboszlai to Shine?
Carragher’s criticism reflects a growing sentiment among fans and pundits that Szoboszlai must deliver more consistent performances to justify his hefty price tag and starting role. While there is still time for the Hungarian midfielder to turn things around, the demands at Liverpool leave little room for extended periods of adaptation.
As the season progresses, Szoboszlai will need to capitalize on the opportunities provided by Slot and demonstrate the quality that made him such a coveted signing. Moments like his goal at St Mary’s must become the norm, not the exception, if he is to solidify his place in the squad.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool’s midfield has undergone significant changes in recent seasons, and Szoboszlai was brought in to be a cornerstone of its rebuild. While his technical skills and potential are undeniable, the consistency and impact required to succeed at Anfield have so far been elusive.
With the Reds chasing Premier League glory, the pressure on Szoboszlai to perform will only intensify. Whether he rises to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Liverpool fans and legends alike expect much more from their number 10.
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