“Szoboszlai becomes the undisputed star of Liverpool.”

Dominik Szoboszlai, the Hungarian prodigy who joined Liverpool in 2023, is living a true fairy tale at Anfield, quickly becoming the central figure of the team. With an investment of £60 million and the historic number eight shirt on his back — previously worn by Steven Gerrard — Szoboszlai has not only embraced the pressure but has also surpassed it with impressive skill. His journey, marked by a motto tattooed on his forearm that reads: “Talent is a divine blessing, but without incredible will and humility, it is worth nothing,” reflects his philosophy of hard work and determination.

The 2023/24 season has been a revelation for the 25-year-old midfielder, who has already recorded 10 goals and seven assists. When asked if he was having a “Gerrard-like season,” Szoboszlai was clear: he is writing his own story. Although only Hugo Ekitike has more goal involvements and only captain Virgil van Dijk has played more minutes than him, Mohamed Salah’s assertion that he is “one of the best players in the world at the moment” places him on a high pedestal.

Interestingly, Szoboszlai has not always played in his preferred number 10 position, but his adaptability has been remarkable. His spectacular free kicks against Arsenal and Manchester City were scored in matches where he started as a right-back, highlighting an evolution in both consistency and impact. In a tumultuous season for Liverpool, where uncertainty about the future of Salah and other key players looms, Szoboszlai’s contractual situation is perhaps the most critical. With just over two years remaining on his five-year contract, talks about an extension have begun, bringing relief to the fans.

The Hungarian national team coach, Marco Rossi, recently hinted that Szoboszlai’s dream is to play for Real Madrid. However, the player himself has expressed his love for the city and the club, while his agent, Matyas Esterhazy, stated that there are no intentions to move. At Liverpool, Szoboszlai is seen as a highly competitive athlete, often the first to arrive at training. This commitment is reflected in the numbers, as he is the player who has covered the most distance this season.

Milos Kerkez, his teammate both for the national team and the club, even joked that Szoboszlai could run from Liverpool to Hungary without getting tired. His determination is undeniable, but Salah’s influence on him is palpable. The two enjoy moments together off the pitch, such as playing backgammon, solidifying a friendship that transcends football.

Recently, Szoboszlai faced criticism, being labeled “disrespectful” for a mistake that led to a goal for Barnsley, but he defended himself vigorously. Coach Arne Slot also had a private conversation with him, which demonstrates the trust the team places in his development.

At just 22 years old, Szoboszlai is already the captain of the national team, and Liverpool sees him as a future leader, akin to icon Gerrard. With the expectation that vice-captain Andy Robertson may leave this summer and Van Dijk’s contract expiring in 2027, the possibility of Szoboszlai taking on the captain’s armband is very real. In response to questions about his leadership ability, Slot was emphatic: “Yes, but he is still young.” The story of Dominik Szoboszlai is just beginning, and Liverpool fans can hardly wait to see what the future holds for him.