Liverpool could pursue ‘next Kevin De Bruyne’ for midfield reinforcement in the summer

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Liverpool midfield

Dominik Szoboszlai could become available in the summer and Liverpool could pounce on this opportunity to strengthen the midfield.

In a recent report, CIES Football observatory, made a list of players, who were statistically similar to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne. RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai featured prominently on that list. The Hungarian is also the only player in one of Europe’s Big-5 leagues on that list.

So, does he measure up to Kevin De Bruyne and…

Is Dominik Szoboszlai a perfect fit for Liverpool’s midfield?

James Milner‘s contract will end in the summer. While Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain will enter the last year of their contracts. Liverpool have already lost Georginio Wijnaldum. And a lack of depth in midfield has led to missed opportunities. Thus, midfield needs to be addressed if Liverpool are to win more trophies moving forward.

Dominik Szoboszlai could be the answer to that depth. The Hungarian midfielder has 6 goals and 5 assists in 25 games this season. He has averaged an impressive 0.84 goal contributions per 90. Additionally, he is in the 99th percentile in successful pressures and successful pressure %. The Hungarian is also in the 99th percentile for both goal creating actions and passes blocked.

In addition to that, he is also in the 92nd percentile for aerial duels won. Combine these stats with his impressive passing ability, and you see why he is a proto-Kevin De Bruyne. However, you also get a picture of a Steven Gerrard-esque player. Dominik has a knack of stamping his authority on the game. Although, he somewhat lacks in his ability to score from a distance.

(Stats, per FBref)

However, Liverpool have already gone down this route. When Liverpool signed Keita, they had looked for a similar player. Szoboszlai’s inconsistency this season also raises some questions.

But he is only 21 and would be a welcome addition to the side if Naby Keita ever leaves. Or, an opportunity like Luis Diaz pops up. Dominik Szoboszlai has mentioned that he admires Jurgen Klopp. He has also fallen down the pecking order and out of favour with the club’s new coach Dominic Tedesco, with the new coach exiling him to the bench.

Therefore, convincing him to come to Anfield shouldn’t be difficult. The Hungarian could thrive under Klopp but Liverpool needs to be smart in their approach since players like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham also demand attention.

Given the bevy of options, it would be interesting to see who ends up joining Liverpool.

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