Liverpool’s new star, Dominik Szoboszlai, is being ‘overhyped’ and doesn’t deserve all the praise he’s getting, according to Rio Ferdinand. Despite a strong start at Anfield, Ferdinand isn’t convinced that Szoboszlai is as good as everyone says.
Szoboszlai, 23, joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in a big-money move over the summer. He was one of four midfielders who came to Merseyside, along with Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endō and Ryan Gravenberch. They were brought in to fill the gap left by stars like Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.
So far, things are looking good for Liverpool, which is three points ahead at the top of the Premier League table after 20 matches. Szoboszlai has scored twice and made two assists, earning him lots of praise.
But Ferdinand, a former England and Manchester United defender, isn’t so sure. He thinks Szoboszlai hasn’t done enough to earn all the praise he’s been getting.
“I know everyone is hyping him, but I don’t think Dominik Szoboszlai has done [as well as people make out],” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five YouTube show. “He’s a good player but people are saying ‘oh, he’s the next [Steven] Gerrard!’ and I haven’t seen that yet.
“I see bare of their [fans’] comments. But one of my mates always says it. But he is easy on the eye.”
Ferdinand praised Gravenberch’s performance as Liverpool took Arsenal out of the FA Cup, and also gave Endō a thumbs-up for his contributions prior to departing for the Asian Cup. But he seemed to think it was too early to shower Szoboszlai with such lofty accolades.
Liverpool plays the first leg of its Carabao Cup semi-final tomorrow, and Szoboszlai helped the team get there with two incredible goals: an undoubtedly Gerrard-esque hit from range against Leicester and a fantastic first strike in the quarter-final demolition of West Ham. But due to injury, he won’t be playing when Klopp’s team faces Fulham.
Klopp talked about Szoboszlai’s injury before Sunday’s match versus Arsenal. “Muscle, hamstring,” he said, adding, “We will have to see.”
He further said: “Dom is very positive, not a lot of pain but no chance for Sunday. Not for then Wednesday. Then we will see. After that, hopefully, he might be back but we don’t know.”
Liverpool beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup without Szoboszlai, earning a home game in the fourth round. Either Norwich City or Bristol Rovers will visit Anfield after the 1-1 draw at Carrow Road in that third round game, with Grant Ward securing a replay for the League One side.
