Liverpool opened the 2024/25 season completely, sitting on the high of the Premier League and profitable 4 from 4 innings.
Beneath Arne Slot, they shortly confirmed resilience and assault, however the journey was not with out its flaws.
3 times this season in opposition to Bournemouth, Newcastle and Atletico Madrid – the Reds slipped a two-goal lead. Maybe most particular is the Ling Moha strike at St James Park.
It was characterised by his skill to search out essential moments at his dying stage.
The 93rd minute strike in opposition to Atletico was Liverpool’s fourth objective, scoring in all competitions this season in stoppage time, highlighting the profitable mentality that introduced them to the second Premier League crown final season.
Dominik Szoboszlai was the middle of the group’s fluid play, however it’s one other participant who more and more embodies the management related to Nice Stephen Gerrard.
Szoboszlai: Inventive Hub and Tactical Modifications
Szoboszlai’s season did not begin easily.
Slot publicly criticized him for his position in Bournemouth’s opening objective with a 4-2 victory at Anfield over the opening weekend.
However since then, the 24-year-old has been coping with constant excellence and flexibility.
Final season, Hungary concerned the marketing campaign with 12 targets. This jogged my memory of his price within the closing third. His numbers mirror a midfielder who drives mercilessly ahead:
Szoboszlai – Season 2024/25 | |
|---|---|
Progressive carry is about 90 carry | 2.60 |
Progressive Passes per 90 | 4.73 |
Shot creation actions per 90 | 4.30 |
Passing completion price | 84.3% |
Progressive Passage Distances per 90 | 131.4m |
Supply: FBREF | |
These metrics draw footage of gamers who not solely provoke offensive actions, but additionally keep them with correct passing and intelligent actions.
His decisive 30-yard free kick in opposition to Arsenal was an impressive second of Liverpool’s season thus far, sealing off a 1-0 victory that stored the proper file intact.
What makes Szoboszlai much more priceless is his tactical adaptability.
In opposition to Newcastle, he was buried in the correct again as Liverpool extends to St James Park and was barely incorrect all evening. When Arsenal got here to city just a few weeks in the past, he did the identical.
This flexibility makes him a supervisor’s dream – a midfielder who can affect the sport with each creativity and self-discipline.
As many specialists have, evaluating Szoboszlai to Gerrard is fascinating, however this season he has served as a substitute for Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz.
Wirtz has struggled to adapt for the reason that arrival of the high-profile Premier League, however Szoboszlai thrived in excessive strain conditions and strengthened the explanation why Liverpool selected him because the midfield centerpiece.
That stated, Hungarian Worldwide continues to be not as iconic as Gerrard.
Liverpool’s new gelard
If Szoboszlai is the creator of Liverpool, then the chief of Virgil Van Dijk Isir.
At 34, the Dutch maintains an enormous presence within the again, however this season has added a second to assault inspiration.
The winner of his suspension time in opposition to Atletico represented a participant answerable for the decisive second.
Soccer analyst Josh Williams described Van Dik as “outrageous” this season, including that he “takes duty like Gerrard.”
Though centre-backs are not often in comparison with Liverpool’s most iconic midfielder, the similarities are clear.
Simply as Gerrard dragged a sport with moments of inspiration into his group, Van Dijk is now doing the identical from protection.
Statistically, his affect stays elite, and he launched it to Atletico.
To gentle his qualities, Van Dik ranks within the 86th percentile amongst fellow central defenders for passing accomplished (91.5%) during the last 12 months, permitting Liverpool to quiet down from behind and construct.
He’s additionally within the ninetieth percentile with progressive passes (5.24 per 90).
Defensively, he dominated within the air, incomes an air duel of three.02 per 90, placing him once more within the 86th percentile at centreback.
A statistical comparability between Ronald Araújo and Gabriel Magalhães highlights his profile. He’s a defender who combines bodily management with the development of elite balls.
Nonetheless, Van Dijk’s roles are past numbers. As membership captain, he has signed a contract till 2027, and he’s the usual for setting this rejuvenation side.
Liverpool’s begin wasn’t excellent. Throwing down three leads is a warning signal for groups with ambitions for an additional title.
Nonetheless, these set-offs have been countered by gamers who’re prepared to step up on the essential stage.
Szoboszlai drove a artistic rhythm together with his overtaking and unintended creation, however Van Dijk confirmed the authority and timing to determine on the competition late.
Collectively, they formed Liverpool’s early id: the elements of sparkle, however they depend on that massive chief to seize a giant second.
