Liverpool have opened the 2024/25 season in good style, sitting high of the Premier League with 4 wins from 4.
Below Arne Slot, they’ve rapidly proven resilience and attacking aptitude, however the journey has not been with out its flaws.
Thrice already this season – towards Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Atlético Madrid – the Reds have let two-goal leads slip, solely to be rescued by late winners. Essentially the most particular of all maybe being Rio Ngumoha’s strike at St James’ Park.
That skill to seek out decisive moments within the dying levels has develop into an indicator.
The 93rd-minute strike towards Atlético was Liverpool’s fourth aim scored in stoppage time throughout all competitions this season, underlining the profitable mentality that carried them to their second Premier League crown final season.
Whereas Dominik Szoboszlai has been central to the group’s fluid play, it’s a completely different participant who more and more embodies the management as soon as related to the nice Steven Gerrard.
Szoboszlai: A inventive hub and tactical repair
Szoboszlai’s begin to the season didn’t go easily.
Slot publicly criticised him for his position in Bournemouth’s opening aim throughout the 4-2 win at Anfield on the opening weekend.
Since then, nevertheless, the 24-year-old has responded with constant excellence and flexibility.
Final season, the Hungarian produced 12 aim involvements this marketing campaign, a reminder of his worth within the last third. His numbers mirror a midfielder who drives play ahead relentlessly:
|
Szoboszlai – Season 2024/25 |
|
|---|---|
|
Progressive Carries per 90 |
2.60 |
|
Progressive Passes per 90 |
4.73 |
|
Shot-Creating Actions per 90 |
4.30 |
|
Go Completion Charge |
84.3% |
|
Progressive Passing Distance per 90 |
131.4m |
|
Supply: FBRef |
|
These metrics paint an image of a participant who not solely initiates attacking strikes however sustains them with precision passing and intelligent motion.
His decisive 30-yard free-kick towards Arsenal was the standout second of Liverpool’s season to this point, sealing a 1-0 win that stored their good file intact.
What makes Szoboszlai much more priceless is his tactical adaptability.
In opposition to Newcastle, with Liverpool stretched at St James’ Park, he stuffed in at right-back and barely put a foot unsuitable all night. He did the identical when Arsenal got here to city a couple of weeks in the past.
This flexibility makes him a supervisor’s dream – a midfielder able to influencing video games each with creativity and self-discipline.
It’s tempting to check Szoboszlai to Gerrard, as many pundits have, however this season he’s functioning as Liverpool’s various to Florian Wirtz.
Whereas Wirtz has struggled to adapt since his high-profile Premier League arrival, Szoboszlai has thrived in high-pressure conditions, reinforcing why Liverpool selected him as a centrepiece in midfield.
That mentioned, the Hungary worldwide is not fairly as iconic as Gerrard simply but.
Liverpool’s new Gerrard
If Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s creator, Virgil van Dijk is their chief.
At 34, the Dutchman stays a colossal presence on the again, however this season he has added moments of attacking inspiration too.
His stoppage-time winner towards Atlético epitomised a participant taking accountability in decisive moments.
Soccer analyst Josh Williams has described Van Dijk as “outrageous” this season, including that he “takes accountability like Gerrard used to.”
It’s uncommon for a centre-back to be in contrast with Liverpool’s most iconic midfielder, however the parallels are clear.
Simply as Gerrard dragged groups by means of video games with moments of inspiration, Van Dijk is now doing the identical from defence.
Statistically, his affect stays elite and he showcased that towards Atletico.
To light up his qualities, Van Dijk ranks within the 86th percentile amongst his fellow central defenders for go completion (91.5%) over the past 12 months, making certain that Liverpool can construct calmly from the again.
He’s additionally within the ninetieth percentile for progressive passes (5.24 per 90), exhibiting how usually he breaks traces with distribution from deep.
Defensively, he dominates within the air, profitable 3.02 aerial duels per 90, putting him once more within the 86th percentile amongst centre-backs.
Statistical comparisons with Ronald Araújo and Gabriel Magalhães spotlight his profile: a defender who combines bodily dominance with elite ball development.
However Van Dijk’s position extends past numbers. As membership captain, with a contract operating till 2027, he’s the determine setting requirements on this rejuvenating aspect.
Liverpool’s begin has not been flawless. Throwing away leads thrice already is a warning signal for a group with ambitions of one other title.
But these setbacks have been countered by gamers prepared to step up in decisive phases.
Szoboszlai has pushed the inventive rhythm along with his passing and likelihood creation, whereas Van Dijk has proven the authority and timing to resolve contests late on.
Collectively, they’ve formed Liverpool’s early-season id: a aspect able to brilliance, however reliant on its massive leaders to grab the large moments.
