Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, has expressed his satisfaction with the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai, praising the midfielder’s versatility and impact on the team.
The Reds acted swiftly during the summer transfer window, finalizing the deal just days before triggering a £60 million release clause at RB Leipzig, which expired on June 30.
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Since joining Liverpool, Szoboszlai has swiftly gained popularity among fans, thanks to his dynamic performances.
Szoboszlai has made a significant impact at his new club, scoring two goals since joining, one of which was a stunning long-range strike in Liverpool’s recent 3-1 victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
Klopp admitted that he hadn’t closely followed Leipzig’s Bundesliga matches last season but became convinced of Szoboszlai’s suitability for Liverpool’s midfield after reviewing video clips.
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Jurgen Klopp on Dominik Szoboszlai
“Did the signing go under the radar? I cannot remember a lot of stories about Macca (Alexis Mac Allister) either before we signed him to be honest, we were pretty clear with the players we wanted,”
Klopp further said (via liverpoolfc.com),
“Henderson and Fabinho [leaving] was surprising at that moment but that does not mean we were not looking for these positions. He had nothing to do with Hendo or Fab leaving.
He is really good. I don’t think he played the position he plays for us [now] at Leipzig. He played on the wing, as a No.10, more inside, as No.8, a No.6, and a double six as well, so it is really interesting to watch how quickly he adapts and develops. That is really good. We have things to still find out.
That he has an incredible skill with his shooting that is now obvious but it was not that I watched the Bundesliga every week, each Leipzig game, I saw clips and we played them when he was at Salzburg.
But it is not that you look too much, but it is clear we were looking for a No.8 and his name came up, watching the videos, it was pretty impressive to be honest, super impressive.
He played a different role there. They play a 4-2-2-2 very offensive line up, so we start learning. I don’t think he saw himself involved so much build-up, deeper positions but he is good on the ball and that is why we try it. He can still play on the wing, both wings and he enjoys football, he is a natural and that is good for us.
He connects really well with the others and that is nice and now the two goals he scored and the way he plays I can 100% understand why he creates headlines, but in the dressing room he is a real team player. No doubt about that but loves being with this group as much.”
Said Klopp.
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Klopp concluded by stating that Szoboszlai has the potential to shine even further at Liverpool.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
