Rio Ferdinand has played down the impact of Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai despite the Hungarian international’s fast start to life at Anfield.
Szoboszlai, 23, joined Jurgen Klopp’s side in a big-money move from RB Leipzig over the summer. The new number eight was one of four midfielders to move to Merseyside over the summer, along with Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, as Liverpool aimed to respond to the loss of stars including Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.
It’s been so far, so good for the Reds, who sit three points clear at the top of the Premier League table after 20 matches. Szoboszlai has scored twice during that game, adding a pair of assists, while his all-round game has prompted praise.
Ferdinand is less convinced, though. The former England and Manchester United defender hasn’t seen enough from Szoboszlai to warrant the extent of praise the player has received from fans, even if he has liked some of what he’s seen.
“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 in my group always says it. But he is easy on the eye.”
Ferdinand was impressed by Gravenberch’s impact as Liverpool knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup, while also arguing Endo has been good. With Szoboszlai, though, he appeared to believe the high praise was a little premature.
Ferdinand was impressed by Gravenberch’s impact as Liverpool knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup, while also arguing Endo has been good. With Szoboszlai, though, he appeared to believe the high praise was a little premature.
Ferdinand was impressed by Gravenberch’s impact as Liverpool knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup, while also arguing Endo has been good. With Szoboszlai, though, he appeared to believe the high praise was a little premature.
In addition to his two league goals, Szoboszlai has netted twice during Liverpool’s run to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, including an impressive opener in the quarter-final demolition of West Ham. However, injury means he won’t have a chance to add to that tally on Wednesday, as Klopp’s team take on Fulham in the first leg of their semi-final.
“Muscle, hamstring,” Klopp said of the injury ahead of Sunday’s trip to Arsenal. “We will have to see.
“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’s FA Cup success at the Emirates Stadium was achieved without Szoboszlai, and saw them rewarded with a home tie in the fourth round. One of Norwich City and Bristol Rovers will make the trip to Anfield after playing out a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road in their third round game, with Grant Ward securing a replay for the League One side.
