Arne Slot may soon face an unexpected challenge at Anfield, and it comes from one of Liverpool’s most influential players this season: Dominik Szoboszlai. While the Hungarian midfielder has been a driving force behind Liverpool’s recent resurgence, his growing importance has also created a fresh dilemma for the Reds’ head coach at a time when the squad is already under strain.
Liverpool’s internal atmosphere has been tense in recent weeks following Mohamed Salah’s omission from the squad. The Egyptian star was left out after a controversial interview in which he claimed he had been “sacrificed” following three consecutive matches starting on the bench. The fallout from that situation has placed additional pressure on Slot as he attempts to steady the ship during a demanding stretch of the season.
Ironically, Salah’s absence coincided with one of Liverpool’s most impressive performances of the campaign. In a crucial UEFA Champions League fixture against Inter Milan, it was Szoboszlai who stepped up, scoring the decisive goal that secured a vital victory for the Reds. Without their usual talisman, Liverpool looked sharper, more aggressive, and far more cohesive in midfield.
Szoboszlai’s Growing Influence
Over the past month, Szoboszlai has emerged as one of Liverpool’s standout performers. The 24-year-old has found the net in three of his last five appearances across all competitions, underlining his consistency during a period of mixed results for the team. His energy, pressing intensity, and ability to contribute goals from midfield have made him indispensable.
Many supporters and analysts now view Szoboszlai as Liverpool’s most influential player this season. Beyond his goals and assists, he has become the heartbeat of Slot’s system—linking midfield to attack, driving transitions, and setting the tempo in high-intensity matches.
However, that importance comes at a cost. The more Liverpool rely on Szoboszlai, the more vulnerable they become should he be unavailable.
Injury and Availability Concerns Mount
Slot’s options are already severely limited heading into the coming weeks. It remains unclear whether Mohamed Salah or Federico Chiesa will be available for the upcoming Premier League clash against Brighton at Anfield this Saturday. What is certain, however, is that Liverpool cannot afford any further setbacks.
Cody Gakpo has been ruled out for several weeks, joining Giovanni Leoni, Jeremie Frimpong, and Wataru Endo on the injury list. To make matters worse, Conor Bradley is suspended, further reducing defensive and rotational options.
Liverpool’s recent 3–3 draw against Leeds United has left them sitting in 10th place in the Premier League standings—two positions below Brighton. With the season entering a crucial phase, every point matters, and depth is becoming an increasingly serious issue.
Historically, matches against Brighton have rarely been straightforward for Liverpool. The Seagulls are known for their tactical discipline and ability to exploit transitional moments, meaning Slot will need his strongest possible lineup to avoid further dropped points.
A New Source of Anxiety: Suspension Risk
While injuries dominate much of the discussion, Szoboszlai’s situation introduces a different kind of concern. The Hungarian international has already collected four yellow cards in the Premier League this season. One more booking would trigger an automatic one-match suspension.
Given his workload and aggressive playing style, that risk is far from theoretical. Szoboszlai has featured in 22 matches across all competitions, contributing five goals and five assists—a remarkable return for a midfielder tasked with both creative and defensive responsibilities.
Losing him, even for a single match, would represent a significant blow for Slot. With Salah unavailable or struggling for form, Liverpool have increasingly depended on Hugo Ekitike as an alternative source of goals. But without Szoboszlai supplying energy, movement, and service from midfield, that attacking balance could quickly unravel.
Limited Replacement Options
Perhaps the most concerning aspect for Slot is the lack of like-for-like replacements. None of Liverpool’s available midfielders offer the same blend of physicality, vision, and goal threat that Szoboszlai provides. His role is not easily replicated, especially given the current injury crisis.
Liverpool still have four league matches to navigate before the yellow-card threshold resets. Until then, Szoboszlai will walk a disciplinary tightrope, and Slot must carefully manage his minutes and positioning—an unenviable task in the midst of a packed fixture schedule.
A Delicate Balancing Act for Arne Slot
What should be a positive problem—having a midfielder in outstanding form—has instead become a source of anxiety. Slot must strike a delicate balance between maximizing Szoboszlai’s impact and protecting him from suspension or burnout.
With Liverpool competing on multiple fronts and squad depth stretched thin, every decision carries heightened consequences. One mistimed tackle, one unnecessary booking, could force Slot into reshuffling a midfield that currently functions around Szoboszlai’s influence.
As Liverpool prepare for a crucial run of matches, Szoboszlai’s brilliance remains both a blessing and a burden. For Arne Slot, managing that reality may prove just as important as any tactical adjustment on the training ground.
ALSO READ :
