In Focus: Szoboszlai makes strong start filling Liverpool midfield void

Dominik Szoboszlai looked every bit a £60million player as Liverpool beat Bournemouth 3-1 last weekend.

The 22-year-old, who was signed from RB Leipzig last month, had shown glimpses of his ability in the season opener against Chelsea but took things to another level on his Anfield debut.

With Liverpool's midfield in a period of transition after the exits of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita and James Milner, Szoboszlai could quickly become a key player for the Reds.

Ahead of today's clash with Newcastle, we take a look at the role he could play this season.

Promising start

Szoboszlai impressed both in and out of possession during Liverpool's first two Premier League matches.

No player in the Reds' squad has created more chances (four) and he ranks second — behind Luis Diaz (seven) — for attempted take-ons (six).

The Hungary captain has also regained possession in the middle third a team-high nine times.

And only Andy Robertson (101) has completed more passes than Szoboszlai (98), who boasts an accuracy of 89.09%.

Grafter

Another eye-catching aspect of Szoboszlai's game is his work-rate.

Though a high level of dynamism is typically a prerequisite for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, his team-mates have certainly taken notice — Harvey Elliott in particular.

The English attacker said: "The game against Bournemouth, he [Szoboszlai] showcased his quality in many different aspects.

"I think in the 90th-something minute he was still bombing forward and running like it was the first minute of the game. It's nice to have that kind of player in the team.

"And especially him being young as well — let's hope he can keep doing it for many years."

Versatility

Though Szoboszlai has typically operated as an attacking midfielder in his young career, he could also be utilised in a deeper role.

Liverpool missed out on Chelsea pair Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in their search for a new defensive midfielder, instead bringing in 30-year-old Wataru Endo from Stuttgart.

But Hungary manager Marco Rossi has suggested that Szoboszlai's passing proficiency and ability to read the game could make him a strong option.

He said: "I really think that in the future he could be a fantastic No6.

"He has all the skills to be in this position, like [Andrea] Pirlo was, just to give an example. 

"I think Pirlo was the best in this position in the last 15 years and Dominik has really good skills to play in this position."

Bundesliga success

Szoboszlai's start to his Premier League adventure should not be a big surprise after his performances in Germany last season.

He ranked fifth in the Bundesliga for both big chances created (14) and final third passes completed (402), all while scoring six goals and registering eight assists.

He was also just outside the division's top 10 for possessions won in the attacking third (22), evidence of his ability to meet Klopp's pressing demands.

As Szoboszlai adjusts to the Premier League and life on Merseyside, expect his performances to get better and better.

Although Newcastle's midfield of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, who feed off the St James' Park atmosphere, should give him his sternest Liverpool examination yet.