Steven Gerrard urges Arne Slot to keep 'potential captain' Dominik Szoboszlai 'in his proper position' at Liverpool - 'let him flourish'

React to this story

Steven Gerrard insists Liverpool need to stop messing around with Dominik Szoboszlai's position. The Hungarian has featured at right-back and in midfield this season. He started at the heart of the Reds team - and scored - in their UEFA Champions League win over Galatasaray. That performance drew comparisons to Gerrard, someone who Szoboszlai described as "inspirational" and a "legend."

'Club legend' Gerrard is 'inspiration for each of us', says Szoboszlai

Video credit: TNT Sports

TNT Sports expert Steven Gerrard believes Dominik Szoboszlai is a captain in waiting at Liverpool, but he has to play in midfield.

The Hungarian scored the Reds' opening goal as they thrashed Galatasaray 4-0 in their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash.

The success at Anfield secured a 4-1 aggregate victory, and means Arne Slot's side cruised through to a quarter-final clash with PSG.

Transfers

Salah set for Trabzonspor as club confirm negotiations and arrival in Turkey

14 hours ago

Szoboszlai was named Player of the Match for his display, and Gerrard is seeing dramatic improvements in the 25-year-old's game.

"I like his mentality," Gerrard told TNT Sports. "He's evolved, and he's grown a lot since he's become a Liverpool player.

"We obviously signed a big talent. He's in the prime years of his career. I think Liverpool are going to see the best of him.

"I hope he stays around for a long time because I think there's a potential captain in there. The way he's playing and his consistency and his mentality, you can hear it in his voice.

"He's straight on to the next game, talking about Brighton. I love that about him. He's flying at the moment. He's full of confidence. He's got everything going for him. He's just got to maintain it and stay healthy."

Szoboszlai's style of play and goalscoring prowess this season has drawn natural comparisons to Gerrard.

Similarities between the pair are only furthered by the fact that the 25-year-old wears the famous number 8 shirt at Anfield.

And although not necessarily comfortable in talking about his own form, the Hungarian was happy to be mentioned in the same breath as the Reds icon.

"It's a nice compliment for me," he said. "When I was a child, watching him playing [and] now wearing the number 8.

"It's an unbelievable feeling and I think it's an inspiration for each of us. A club legend. Nothing else to say. I'm just happy to play for this club and hopefully keep on going."

Highlights: Liverpool cruise into quarters as Salah scores landmark goal

Video credit: TNT Sports

"The respect's certainly mutual," Gerrard responded. "I really enjoy watching him play. I thought he was fabulous tonight, from start to finish.

"He's been the go-to man. The most consistent player. And I think that's what we need throughout the team. We need more consistency to get better results. The final's in Budapest as well. So no pressure!

"First we have to take this to Saturday [against Brighton, live on TNT Sports and discovery+]," Szoboszlai replied, as he shot down talk of facing PSG, let alone the final.

"It's an important game, and then everybody goes to the international break. But I watched them [PSG] play against Chelsea yesterday. They didn't become a worse team than last season.

"They are a really good team. But I think we showed it today that we are able to do everything."

Szoboszlai's opening goal was pivotal in deciding which way the tie went.

The pressure was on Liverpool after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Spurs last weekend, a result which saw them booed off.

Ekitike says Liverpool could have won 10-0, pays tribute to ‘legend’ Salah

Video credit: TNT Sports

A fast start was therefore needed at Anfield, and the Hungarian duly delivered it with his 25th minute strike. That was his 12th goal of the campaign, with five of those coming in Europe.

And despite the fact that this has already been the midfielder's most prolific season, Gerrard reckons there is more to come - providing he's used correctly.

"I still think there's another level to him as well," Gerrard continued. "I can see him potentially getting more goals, if he can have a consistent run in that 8/10 position.

"You can see it tonight; he could have had a hat-trick. He's always in and around the box. His ball striking is phenomenal; his timing and his technique, and he hits it with so much venom.

"The balls are getting lighter and lighter. He must be an absolute nightmare for the goalkeeper.

"People are going away now talking about his performance because he's exciting and he's entertaining, but he's in his proper position. Keep him in his proper position. Let him flourish."

Revenge was part of our motive, admits Szoboszlai

Szoboszlai on the other hand prefered to talk about the team's performance as opposed to his own display.

He even cited wanting a bit of revenge, following the aftermath of Liverpool's 1-0 first leg defeat in Turkey.

"From the first minute, we were on them," he told TNT Sports.

"At the last game, I was giving an interview and I heard them celebrating.

"I spoke with a couple of guys in Turkey and this is usual, that after the game you celebrate. It doesn't matter if there is a second leg after.

"I took it a little bit personally and I think a couple of us did as well. I am still in the mind [that you] never celebrate too early.

"Maybe they didn't mean it. But that gave us a little push and I think from the first second, it was just all in."

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Men's and Women's FA Cup and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers