Hungary boss claims Szoboszlai can be the ‘best in the world’ in position Liverpool are yet to use him in

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Dominik Szoboszlai has established himself as one of Liverpool’s key players at the start of the season.

Arne Slot criticised Szoboszlai for his role in Bournemouth’s first goal during the 4-2 win at Anfield in the Premier League opener.

However, the Hungarian has responded in due course with two sensational displays against Newcastle United and Arsenal, culminating in Szoboszlai’s “incredible” free kick to secure a 1-0 win against the latter before the international break.

With Alexis Mac Allister struggling with injuries at the beginning of the campaign, Szoboszlai has started all three of the Reds’ league matches thus far.

And while he has endured a turbulent two-year spell at Liverpool, Hungary boss Marco Rossi has shared a bombshell claim on his international captain following the 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

Dominik Szoboszlai is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world

Speaking in his post-match interview with Origo Sport, Rossi said that he believes Szoboszlai is one of the best players in the world at playing as a defensive midfielder.

“Dominik Szoboszlai’s defensive play was positive. After the sending off, we switched to a 5-3-1, so we could no longer put pressure on the opponent. He can play in any position, as he has proven in the Premier League, but we think he can be one of the best in the world in the number six, defensive midfield position.”

Szoboszlai stunned the Liverpool supporters during the win against Newcastle United with his dominant display deputising as a makeshift right-back.

The 24-year-old has filled the void left by Jeremie Frimpong, who has been sidelined through injury since the league opener – Szoboszlai drew comparisons to Trent Alexander-Arnold when he continued his scintillating form at right-back against Arsenal.

Indeed, the midfielder who shone as an attacking midfielder during his time at RB Leipzig was deployed in the same position under Slot last season after playing the majority of his football as a number eight under Jurgen Klopp.

Szoboszlai has never played a defensive midfield role for Liverpool, as the position in the starting line-up is currently locked down by Ryan Gravenberch, following his breakout campaign at Anfield last season.

How do Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch compare?

Considering Szoboszlai played the entirety of the Reds’ Premier League title-winning campaign in a more advanced midfield role compared to Gravenberch, the statistics suggest he is more than capable of playing a defensive role.

The Hungarian captain won more of his contested tackles, albeit he made just over half the attempts of his Liverpool teammate and lost only two more challenges.

Furthermore, Szoboszlai has been lauded for his fitness, which is an aspect of his game that both of his Liverpool managers have been able to rely on, as he presses the opposition for the entirety of the 90 minutes.

Although it would take a string of world-class performances to displace Gravenberch from the Reds’ starting line-up, Szoboszlai’s proficiency as a number six can be a useful tool for Slot, particularly in matches where the opposition is dominating the play, as seen during the opening 25 minutes at St James’ Park.