Liverpool have opened the 2024/25 season in excellent style, sitting prime of the Premier League with 4 wins from 4.
Underneath Arne Slot, they’ve shortly proven resilience and attacking aptitude, however the journey has not been with out its flaws.
3 times already this season – towards Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Atlético Madrid – the Reds have let two-goal leads slip, solely to be rescued by late winners.
That capability to seek out decisive moments within the dying levels has grow to be a trademark.
The 93rd-minute strike towards Atlético was Liverpool’s fourth aim scored in stoppage time throughout all competitions this season, underlining the profitable mentality that carried them to their second Premier League crown final season.
Whereas Dominik Szoboszlai has been central to the workforce’s fluid play, it’s a totally different participant who more and more embodies the management as soon as related to Steven Gerrard.
Szoboszlai: Inventive Hub and Tactical Repair
Dominik Szoboszlai’s begin to the season didn’t go easily.
Slot publicly criticised him for his position in Bournemouth’s opening aim in the course of the 4-2 win at Anfield on the opening weekend.
Since then, nonetheless, the 24-year-old has responded with constant excellence and flexibility.
Final season, Szoboszlai produced 12 aim involvements this marketing campaign, a reminder of his worth within the closing third.
His numbers mirror a midfielder who drives play ahead relentlessly:
|
Szoboszlai – Season 2024/25 |
|
|
Progressive Carries per 90 |
2.60 |
|
Progressive Passes per 90 |
4.73 |
|
Shot-Creating Actions per 90 |
4.30 |
|
Cross Completion Fee |
84.3% |
|
Progressive Passing Distance per 90 |
131.4m |
|
Supply: FBRef |
|
These metrics paint an image of a participant who not solely initiates attacking strikes however sustains them with precision passing and intelligent motion.
His decisive 30-yard free-kick towards Arsenal was the standout second of Liverpool’s season to this point, sealing a 1-0 win that saved their excellent document intact.
What makes Szoboszlai much more worthwhile is his tactical adaptability.
In opposition to Newcastle, with Liverpool stretched at St James’ Park, he crammed in at right-back and barely put a foot flawed all night.
This flexibility makes him a supervisor’s dream – a midfielder able to influencing video games each with creativity and self-discipline.
It’s tempting to check Szoboszlai to Steven Gerrard, as many pundits have, however this season he’s functioning as Liverpool’s different to Florian Wirtz.
Whereas Wirtz has struggled to adapt since his high-profile Premier League arrival, Szoboszlai has thrived in high-pressure conditions, reinforcing why Liverpool selected him as a centrepiece in midfield.
Liverpool’s new Gerrard
If Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s creator, Virgil van Dijk is their chief.
At 34, the Dutchman stays a colossal presence on the again, however this season he has added moments of attacking inspiration too.
His stoppage-time winner towards Atlético epitomised a participant taking duty in decisive moments.
Soccer analyst Josh Williams has described Van Dijk as “outrageous” this season, including that he “takes duty like Gerrard used to.”
It’s uncommon for a centre-back to be in contrast with Liverpool’s most iconic midfielder, however the parallels are clear.
Simply as Gerrard dragged groups by video games with moments of inspiration, Van Dijk is now doing the identical from defence.
Statistically, his affect stays elite.
Van Dijk ranks within the 86th percentile for go completion (91.5%), guaranteeing that Liverpool can construct calmly from the again.
He’s additionally within the ninetieth percentile for progressive passes (5.24 per 90), exhibiting how usually he breaks traces with distribution from deep.
Defensively, he dominates within the air, profitable 3.02 aerial duels per 90, inserting him once more within the 86th percentile amongst centre-backs.
Statistical comparisons with Ronald Araújo and Gabriel Magalhães spotlight his profile: a defender who combines bodily dominance with elite ball development.
However Van Dijk’s position extends past numbers.
As membership captain, with a contract operating till 2027, he’s the determine setting requirements on this rejuvenating facet.
Liverpool’s begin has not been flawless.
Throwing away leads 3 times already is a warning signal for a workforce with ambitions of one other title.
But these setbacks have been countered by gamers prepared to step up in decisive phases.
Szoboszlai has pushed the inventive rhythm along with his passing and probability creation, whereas Van Dijk has proven the authority and timing to resolve contests late on.
Collectively, they’ve formed Liverpool’s early-season identification: a facet able to brilliance, however reliant on its large leaders to grab the massive moments.