Comparing Dominik Szoboszlai to Liverpool Legend Steven Gerrard

The sight of Dominik Szoboszlai wearing Liverpool’s iconic red No 8 jersey and unleashing a thunderous shot from outside the penalty area against Leicester evoked strong memories of Steven Gerrard in his prime.

Despite being just 22 years old, the Hungarian sensation is already displaying why he was entrusted with such a prestigious shirt. Let’s delve deeper into various aspects of their game and how Szoboszlai compares to the legendary Steven Gerrard:

Shooting – Gerrard 9/10, Szoboszlai 9/10

Steven Gerrard will forever be remembered for his remarkable long-range shooting ability. Moments like the stoppage-time rocket that leveled an FA Cup final with West Ham or the unforgettable strike against Olympiacos that propelled Liverpool into the Champions League group stages are etched in football history.

Szoboszlai showcased his exceptional shooting prowess against Leicester, living up to his father’s claim that he possesses the best shot in the world. The sheer cleanliness and speed with which he dispatched the ball into the top corner were nothing short of spectacular.

Leadership – Gerrard 8, Szoboszlai 7

Gerrard, in the latter stages of his career, became one of the Premier League’s great captains. However, at Szoboszlai’s current age of 22, Gerrard wasn’t initially seen as a natural leader. Even when given the captaincy to replace Sami Hyypia, Gerrard himself had doubts about his ability to perform the role effectively.

While Szoboszlai may not command the team in the same manner as Gerrard did, his influence is evident, especially considering his recent arrival in England. Jurgen Klopp has described him as “a confident boy,” and he serves as the captain for the Hungarian national team.

Tactics – Gerrard 7, Szoboszlai 8

Rafa Benitez occasionally grew frustrated with Gerrard’s tendency to roam when playing in central midfield, feeling it left Liverpool too vulnerable. This led to Gerrard often being deployed on the right flank. In contrast, Szoboszlai seems adaptable to various tactical systems.

His time in the coaching programs at RB Salzburg and Leipzig, where he honed his skills after leaving Hungary as a teenager, may contribute to his versatility. He’s referred to it as “The Red Bull family,” and it has taught him to be a No. 10 capable of unlocking defenses while possessing the work rate to play deeper.

Goals – Gerrard 7, Szoboszlai 7

Gerrard was known for scoring crucial goals, even if he wasn’t a prolific scorer like Frank Lampard. He netted 186 goals for Liverpool, averaging about one goal every four games, and added 21 for England.

Szoboszlai, similar to Gerrard, doesn’t primarily occupy positions inside the penalty area but is capable of contributing goals from range. He reached double figures in goals for Leipzig in the past two seasons and has already scored twice for Liverpool.

Tackling – Gerrard 9, Szoboszlai 7

Gerrard was renowned for his robust yet fair tackling. Opponents often felt the impact when Gerrard went for the ball. While he occasionally received red cards, his tackles were typically strong but within the bounds of the game’s rules.

In contrast, Szoboszlai prefers a less physical approach but is still capable of performing the defensive aspects of the game. He can lead the press and win back possession, albeit in a different style compared to Gerrard.

Personality – Gerrard 8, Szoboszlai 8

Gerrard grew into his iconic status at Liverpool, becoming more vocal as his career progressed. His mentorship of Jordan Henderson was vital in facilitating the transition from one Liverpool captain to another.

In contrast, Szoboszlai is more of an extrovert, displaying a confident and ambitious personality. He arrived at Anfield with a bold prediction that Liverpool would outperform Manchester City, showcasing his competitive spirit. He has quickly integrated into the team, earning nicknames like “Szobo” from his teammates and “Dom” from the Kop faithful.

Final Verdict – Gerrard 48/60, Szoboszlai 46/60

While Szoboszlai has made an impressive immediate impact at Anfield, earning comparisons to a legend like Steven Gerrard is a testament to his potential. However, he’ll need to maintain this high level of performance over the next decade to achieve the same level of love and admiration on Merseyside. Despite the challenges ahead, he’s off to an incredible start in his Liverpool journey.

Please note that this comparison is based on their respective attributes and contributions, and the ratings are subjective assessments.