Liverpool have had an exceptional transfer window, which they could make even better by signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. However, having a great squad on paper does not always guarantee success, as many teams have found out in the past.
The Reds lost in the Community Shield match against Crystal Palace, which is not a very serious matter, given the relative insignificance of the fixture. Still, they need to sort out a few issues as soon as possible.
Liverpool’s Shift to 4-2-3-1 Puts Dominik Szoboszlai in an Unfamiliar Role
Dominik Szoboszlai played in a double-pivot alongside Curtis Jones in the Community Shield match. Neither Szoboszlai nor Jones is a defensive midfielder, and as a result, it did not suit them very much.
As Florian Wirtz has been added to the Reds’ squad as a marquee signing, there is less room in the starting XI. Szoboszlai is most comfortable playing as a No. 8 in a 4-3-3, which he has done mostly in his couple of seasons so far with the club.
However, as Liverpool make a shift to a 4-2-3-1 with Wirtz as the No. 10, it has forced the Hungarian to play as a holding midfielder only. The likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are better equipped than Szoboszlai as a defensive midfielder.
This might make him sort of a second-choice for Arne Slot when finalising his starting XI. Szoboszlai can play long passes from deep with consummate ease, but so can Mac Allister.
The Hungarian has played in 95 matches for the Reds so far, scoring 15 goals and registering 11 assists in them. That is a decent record, but he is unlikely to add much to those numbers should he be forced to play as a defensive midfielder.
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Mac Allister and Gravenberch Have the Edge in Defensive Midfield
Slot will have to make his adjustments accordingly. At the moment, it seems unlikely that he will make his team play with a solitary defensive midfielder.
That will make his defence more vulnerable, and that is a risk the English champions cannot take.
Gravenberch had a wonderful season in 2024/25 and is undoubtedly going to be one of the holding midfielders if he is fit. Mac Allister is also an adept player defensively and should be preferred as a holding midfielder to Szoboszlai.
A Bench Role Could Be Szoboszlai’s Reality This Season
Szoboszlai might be used as a substitute according to the situation of the match. Should the situation demand the Reds chase the game and go for goals, Szoboszlai should come in handy.
However, at this stage of his career, the Hungarian midfielder will not like to warm the bench. He should be looking to get as much game time as possible. Slot will probably give him a chance at the beginning of the season to show his mettle as a holding midfielder.
However, given his performance against Palace, it seems unlikely that he will excel in the new role. It will be interesting to see how Slot handles this new challenge in the upcoming season.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
Recording Date: 10.08.2025