Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp, RB Leipzig, Transfers
Ryan Smart
Topics: Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp, RB Leipzig, Transfers
Liverpool are reportedly pushing to sign Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig this summer - but how could he fit in at Anfield?
The Hungary international has been one of the top attacking midfielders in the Bundesliga over the previous seasons, and has caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp's side.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reported on Friday that Liverpool have been 'given confidence' that a deal is possible, having previously believed it would be 'very difficult'.
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Szoboszlai has a €70 million release clause which, various outlets have claimed, has an expiry date of June 30, but the Reds will need to pay a significant sum regardless to sign the 22-year-old.
According to Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy, the Hungary international's qualities fit the profile of player Klopp and Liverpool want to bring in this summer.
But what would that represent for the Reds on the pitch.
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What is Dominik Szoboszlai's favoured position?
Szoboszlai's favoured position is in a central attacking midfield role. As per WhoScored, the Hungarian registered six goals and six assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances in the role last season.
But his key strength is his versatility. With strong crossing abilities, he can also feature on both wings, in a more advanced forward role or deeper if necessary.
What is his playing style?
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Szoboszlai is proficient in creating chances for his team-mates and, as per The Analyst, is one of only 14 Bundesliga players to create over 100 chances in the last two seasons.
On average, that tallies at 2.6 chances created per game - a figure that is 0.1 lower than new Tottenham signing James Maddison.
One another notable part of the Hungarian's game is his ability to win the ball back. As per the above report, Szoboszlai completed 39 high turnovers - within 40 metres of the opposition's goal - a figure that was the sixth-highest of any player in the Bundesliga last season.
The Hungarian also likes to drive forward with the ball to create opportunities and, via WhoScored, his 7.32 average rating was also the sixth-highest of any player in the German top flight in the last campaign.
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How will he fit into Liverpool's XI?
Given his strength as an attacking midfielder, Szoboszlai would likely play in the more advanced role of a midfield three under Jurgen Klopp in the German's traditional 4-3-3 formation.
But if Klopp opts to utilise an attacking midfielder - in a similar way to how he often used Roberto Firmino towards the end of the Brazilian's time at Anfield - Szoboszlai would be ideal for that role.
Critically, meanwhile, the Hungarian can also play in a perhaps overlooked position for Liverpool - as backup to Mohamed Salah on the right side of attack.
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As mentioned, the 22-year-old's versatility will be an important tool for the Reds that they will look to take advantage of if they can get a move over the line.