Recent weeks have confirmed that there is another player to add to the list of world-class stars at the club. His name is Dominik Szoboszlai, who has become one of the most important players for Liverpool.
By far and away the best player for the Reds this season, Szoboszlai has made the difference on a number of occasions. His energy and the way he’s able to cover so much ground makes him an extremely important part of Liverpool’s counter-press.
On the ball, he’s technically sublime. Capable of making a long switch, and playing key through balls to cut through lines. He’s also got an exquisite shot on him and a brilliant delivery from set-pieces.
This alone wouldn’t make him world-class but the impact he has on the pitch does. A world-class player is able to make a difference for his team. They are able to change the trajectory of matches and Szoboszlai is doing that week in, week out.
Whether it’s a clever dummy against Newcastle United, a crucial delivery against Atletico Madrid to secure Virgil van Dijk’s winner, or the same against Real Madrid for Alexis Mac Allister.
Without Szoboszlai’s contributions in the Champions League, Liverpool would be four points worse off and sitting on 18th place. Liverpool would also have four less points in the Premier League and be sitting in 14th place without Szoboszlai’s dummy vs Newcastle and his winner against Arsenal.
The Reds’ season would be far worse off.
But it’s not just Liverpool. Szoboszlai has made vital contributions for Hungary as well. From a last minute equaliser against Portugal to a winning assist against Armenia and a crucial assist against Ireland.
It means Hungary just need to avoid defeat at home against Ireland to qualify for the World Cup play-offs. Without Szoboszlai none of this would be possible.
They’d be four points worse off, and would go into the final matchday with no chance of progressing to the next stage of the qualification.
For club and country, Szoboszlai has been imperative. He’s making an impact at times of need, and that confirms he’s a world-class player.
Liverpool are very lucky they were able to buy him for just £60m a little over two years ago. He’s worth at least double that money now.