Dominik Szoboszlai Reflects on Growth Under Arne Slot at Liverpool
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has expressed his appreciation for the influence head coach Arne Slot has had on his development since joining the club last summer. The 2023-24 season has seen Szoboszlai make 32 appearances across all competitions, contributing five goals and four assists to the team’s efforts.
Having transitioned to Merseyside in the summer of 2023, Szoboszlai is now settling into his second full season at Anfield. His initial campaign was spent under former manager Jürgen Klopp, during which he laid the groundwork for his career at one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs. Szoboszlai has welcomed the changes brought about by Slot, who took over as head coach for the 2024-25 season, and he believes his game has improved significantly under the Dutchman’s guidance.
A Shift in Playing Style
Szoboszlai noted a marked difference in his role this season compared to last. “Last year, I played as an eight, focusing more on the defensive aspects of the game. This season, I’ve been given more freedom to play offensively, while still fulfilling my defensive responsibilities,” he explained.
Slot has been instrumental in reshaping Szoboszlai’s approach to the game, honing in on areas of improvement that the midfielder had not previously considered. “He [Slot] has changed my game considerably, and I’ve seen a lot of personal growth under him. I know there’s still room for improvement, and I work on that every day,” Szoboszlai added.
Experiences Across Different Leagues
Reflecting on his journey through various leagues, Szoboszlai acknowledged the differences he has encountered. “Each league presents its unique challenges. When I was in Austria, I was still quite young, having moved there at 16. I made my Europa League and Champions League debuts there, playing alongside some exceptional talents,” he recalled.
The transition to RB Leipzig marked another significant change in Szoboszlai’s life. “Moving to Leipzig was a big step for me. I had to adapt to a new country and a more competitive league. The only advantage was that I spoke German, which helped me settle in,” he noted.
His move to England came with its own set of challenges, but Szoboszlai found it more manageable this time around. “By the time I arrived in England, I had already experienced moving abroad. I knew what to expect in terms of settling down and living alone. However, I quickly realized the intensity of the Premier League and the responsibilities that come with playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he explained.
Motivation to Excel
When asked about what drives him to keep improving, Szoboszlai shared his relentless ambition. “There’s always room for improvement. You can never be satisfied. You set dreams that evolve into goals, and as those goals become more tangible, you strive even harder to achieve them,” he said.
He reflected on his aspirations, noting that playing for Liverpool was a dream come true. “Being part of a major club like Liverpool has always been my dream. Now that I’m here, my ambitions have shifted to winning the Premier League and the Champions League. I’m focused on the day-to-day grind, and when you start to see how close you are to achieving your goals, it fuels your desire to achieve even more,” Szoboszlai explained.
Building Strong Relationships With Teammates
Szoboszlai also emphasized the camaraderie within the Liverpool squad. “We spend so much time together, especially during away games when we’re all in the same hotel. You become accustomed to that lifestyle, where you might not see your family as much and instead are surrounded by your teammates,” he noted.
He highlighted his close relationships with specific players, saying, “I have a good rapport with Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kostas Tsimikas. While I’m particularly close with them, I get along well with everyone in the squad.”
Team Spirit at Liverpool
Discussing the importance of team spirit, Szoboszlai conveyed how vital it is to have each other’s backs on the pitch. “It’s crucial to feel that you are willing to fight for your teammates. When you’re on the field and see someone in trouble, your instinct should be to help them. If we can maintain this mindset throughout the season, it will lead us to success,” he stated.
He believes that this sense of unity and collective effort is essential for the team’s success. “The bond we share can make a significant difference in how we perform. It’s about more than just individual talent; it’s about working together and supporting one another,” he concluded.
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