One thing has modified with Dominik Szoboszlai this season, with the Liverpool midfielder shedding his risk from vary. So what has occurred to his capturing?
The primary story of Liverpool’s latest 2-0 win over Aston Villa was the Reds going 5 factors clear on the high of the league.
But in addition of observe was an absentee from the beginning lineup: Dominik Szoboszlai.
He had introduced himself for the membership on this fixture a yr prior, scoring an excellent long-range strike that reminded lots of a sure earlier Liverpool No. 8.
Quick-forward to now, and people long-range strikes have disappeared. Szoboszlai is goalless within the league this season, with Curtis Jones pushing to start out in his place.
Arne Slot has gone on document saying: “For an attacking midfielder at Liverpool, his numbers must go up.”
So what’s happening with Szoboszlai in entrance of purpose?
Cracking debut
Like a barnstorming debut album, Szoboszlai’s first season was well-received at Anfield. His arduous working and long-range stunners revitalised a drained midfield beat and bought the individuals off their toes.
Forty-three of his 60 photographs in complete got here from outdoors the world, highlighting his proclivity to shoot from vary.
But regardless of some screamers within the cup competitions, that Villa effort was his solely long-range purpose within the league all season.
Beneath new administration, Szoboszlai is now capturing much less usually and nearer to purpose, with the standard of his possibilities being noticeably increased.
This shift shouldn’t be distinctive to him. Final season, Liverpool had been coached to “play the primary move forwards.” This squeezed the opposition again and invited extra photographs from lengthy vary.
There have been some incredible targets and moments in consequence. However it was unsustainable throughout the season: Liverpool had been second backside of the league for xG versus targets scored – netting 80 targets from an xG of 87.8.
Regardless of making a excessive quantity of possibilities, the relative high quality of mentioned possibilities had been low, and it proved expensive.
Beneath Slot, Liverpool are actually extra prone to preserve the ball longer and wait till the decisive ahead move turns into obtainable. This invitations strain from the opposition, opening up gaps within the remaining third for the forwards to take advantage of.
Because of this, Liverpool are taking fewer photographs, however from nearer to the purpose, leading to extra sustainable scoring in step with anticipated targets.
To this point this has been nice for Liverpool, however it’s but to translate right into a Premier League purpose for Szoboszlai. Why is that?
Evolving the sound
Szoboszlai’s exploits from distance had been little shock to those that adopted him within the Bundesliga.
In his remaining two seasons at RB Leipzig he took 102 makes an attempt on purpose, with 62 of them coming from outdoors the field. Nevertheless, these strikes yielded simply three targets.
Slot’s imaginative and prescient for him is much less thrilling, however it does make a whole lot of sense. He’s tall, sturdy, fast and clever – in a position to help the midfield in opposition to the ball, both by main the press in a 4-4-2 form or dropping off to trace runners.
But in addition, having him operate as a second striker means he can drift into house on the assault earlier than storming into the field late and ending possibilities.
We noticed a glimpse of this within the opening sport in opposition to Ipswich. Right here, he finds right into a pocket of house with the ball out broad.
This permits him to lose his marker, but additionally be able to defend the counter if Ipswich gained the ball. As a substitute, Liverpool break, and he activates the fuel.
He gestures to obtain the ball…
…however strikes it in opposition to his personal teammate.
One other instance got here within the slim win over Wolves. Because the assault pours forwards, he pushes as much as the final line alongside the striker.
However the ball by no means comes. He drops off, discovering his house once more, till the ball is labored broad a second time. This time, the cross is available in, and he’s prepared…
…solely to fireplace it in opposition to goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from point-blank vary.
His sensible motion and athleticism permit him to get into these high-value positions. With just a little extra composure, these possibilities will turn out to be targets – ultimately.
Early verdict
Szoboszlai did discover the web within the Champions League, scoring Liverpool’s third in opposition to AC Milan.
It’s the same scenario: along with his crew breaking down the flank in house, Szoboszlai comes hurtling into the field.
However on this event, he stutters only one step…
…delaying his arrival by half a second. It buys him a tiny bit more room when the ball is available in…
…and permits him to transform.
This type of clever motion exhibits he’s rising into his position. Moving into these positions is the arduous half – over time, the targets are prone to observe.
It’s additionally price stating that Szoboszlai will get by way of an unbelievable quantity of labor off the ball, too.
Like he did in opposition to Ipswich, he should drop off as assaults develop to search out house. However this additionally means he’s set to trace again if the opponent is ready to win the ball and counter.
As Szoboszlai mentioned himself: “I can rating extra targets, I may give extra assists, however I’m doing the ‘soiled job’ as effectively for the crew and that’s the most necessary factor to me. Whereas we’re high of the league and I don’t rating any targets, I’ll take it.”
Whereas these long-range bangers created some hits on his debut document, Szoboszlai’s redeployment as a second striker is producing extra constant, extra priceless possibilities.
As soon as these translate into targets, it ought to see his extra mature second album obtain even better success.