Dominik Szoboszlai has a point to prove as Liverpool star makes 'special' return

Liverpool midfielder Dominic Szoboszlai has been adapting to a new role under Arne Slot at Anfield, and now returns to former club RB Leipzig in the Champions League with a point to prove to his former employers

Dominic Szoboszlai returns to the city and club that ‘made’ him but maybe as a player still trying to make his way at Liverpool under a new manager.

The Hungary captain arrived on Merseyside just over 12 months ago in a deal worth £60m as one of Jurgen Klopp's final signings. There was excitement about his early performances and the No.8 on his back brought over-eager comparisons with the once wearer of the number in Steven Gerrard.

But Szoboszlai, 23, is now adapting to a new style of play and a different role under Arne Slot. He has started seven out of eight games in the Premier League and both so far in Europe ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with his former club RB Leipzig, who he spent two years with.

"The match is of course special for me, because I had two and a half great years in Leipzig,” said the Hungary midfielder, who also had spells with Red Bull Salzburg and FC Liefering in Austria. “I still know a lot of people and I'm very grateful for the time with two cup wins and a lot of emotions. In the end, RB made me the player I am today.

“Without the formative time in Leipzig, I probably wouldn't have made the leap to the best league in the world."

There’s no doubt he has the trust of new head coach Slot but he has yet to match his stats from last season in the more advanced position in what he calls the best league in the world.

He has yet to score in eight games and 629 minutes, with one assist so far in the Premier League. But slightly concerning is that his passing stats are down from 59.7 per 90 minutes last season across 33 games to 50.5 this term with 43.8 successful, according to Stats Perform at Opta.

He ranks 43rd for chances created per 90 in the Premier League this season, and 72nd for pass completion rate when counting players who have played more than 300 minutes. While he’s winning the ball slightly less at 5 times per game compared to 7.3 last season.

But these are early days under Slot and a new position he has probably yet to master. There is still trust from Slot and great confidence within Liverpool that he can go up levels thanks to his young age and willingness to learn and adapt.

“Liverpool is a great club, with super fans, a great stadium, and a top team in the Premier League,” said Szoboszlai when asked about his time in England so far. “I’m really enjoying it. The league is extremely demanding, every game is very intense, and the level of play is very high.

“Every mistake is usually punished immediately. It's a lot of fun to play here."

Liverpool arrive in Leipzig with a 100 per cent record in the Champions League while they are top of the Premier League back home. Ibrahima Konate is also returning to his former club with Szoboszlai having spent four years with them before moving to Merseyside in 2021.

They face the German side who only trail Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich on goal difference after seven games despite losing their opening Champions League ties with Atletico Madrid and Juventus.

“The game will be a mega challenge for us,” said Szoboszlai. “Playing in Leipzig is incredibly difficult. Even though they've lost their first two games, it's one of the toughest tasks for us.”

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