da winzada777： The Reds moved quickly to meet the buy-out clause in the Hungarian's RB Leipzig contract, and he's wasted little time in endearing himself to the Kop
da aviator aposta： A significant number of Liverpool supporters have spent the international break literally singing the praises of Dominik Szoboszlai – which is both impressive and telling. Firstly, there's the fact that the Hungarian only arrived at Anfield during the summer. Secondly, he doesn't exactly have a surname that lends itself to writing rhymes.
Szoboszlai is neither easy to pronounce nor spell – as Liverpool have already realised. There was a typo on the back of the summer signing's shirt during the pre-season friendly with Bayern Munich on August 8 – which did not go unnoticed. "You'll get the hang of spelling Szoboszlai eventually, trust us," RB Leipzig's admin humorously pointed out on Twitter.
The fans have wasted little time in getting to grips with the name – primarily because Szoboszlai has wasted so little time in endearing himself to the Kop.
Inspired by Gerrard
It obviously helped that he confirmed immediately after joining that he has a tattoo inspired by club legend Steven Gerrard that reads: 'Talent is a blessing from God, but without incredible will and humility, it is worthless.' As first impressions go, that was obviously a great one.
But what's been really encouraging is that they don't appear to be empty words. Szoboszlai's talent, will and humility have all been on show during the first few weeks of his Liverpool career, which is why the fans have taken so quickly to their new No.8.
He's spoken about keeping his feet on the ground, not looking too far ahead and just focusing on repaying the faith shown in him by the club. Of course, the fact that he was so willing to take on Gerrard's old number shows that Szoboszlai does not lack confidence, but it also illustrates that he does not shy away from a challenge. That's been very evident in his first four Premier League outings.
AdvertisementGettyA sensational start
Szoboszlai's vast array of skills have rightly drawn plenty of attention. The versatile midfielder has showcased a wonderful range of passing and an eye-catching ability to elegantly elude challenges, while it came as no surprise to see him open his account with a well-struck drive against Aston Villa last time out.
It was always believed that Szoboszlai's long-range shooting and dead-ball deliveries would add an extra dimension to Liverpool's offensive game. His industry, though, has come as a very pleasant surprise to those who had seen little of Szoboszlai at either Leipzig or Red Bull Salzburg.
The net result is that the 22-year-old already looks right at home in the Liverpool midfield – which is noteworthy, given several players have previously required plenty of time to get to grips with Jurgen Klopp's demands.
Getty ImagesLiverpool's £60m 'steal'
However, a couple of coaches who have worked closely with Szoboszlai called this. Former Hungary assistant coach Giovanni Costantino told , "Look, I don't believe people who say 'Dominik will need some time to adjust to the Premier League.' I think he will have an impact from the beginning."
Meanwhile, ex-Leipzig and Salzburg coach Jesse Marsch called £60 million for Szoboszlai "a steal", comparing it to Manchester City's £51m deal for another of his former charges, Erling Haaland.
"They are a different profile of footballer," the American explained in an interview with . "Erling has the ability to change a game because he can score at will. His pace and power is different to anyone else around.
"But Szobo has an elegance and technical ability to go with a physical package which make him unique. There are not many players with his physical stature who can run as he can with the intelligence. The point is that these two are destined to be two of the best in the world in their positions."
Haaland has arguably already achieved that aim by tearing up the Premier League in his first season at the Eithad – the question is whether Szoboszlai can follow suit at Anfield?
'More mobile and dynamic than Beckham'
His potential has long been obvious to those who have been tracking his career since he made his professional debut at 16 years of age in 2017, for Salzburg's reserve side, Liefering. Once established at Salzburg, meanwhile, Marsch found a thrilling talent that he labelled the "modern-day David Beckham".
"When the ball is on his right foot he can put it anywhere he wants. The precision and the pace he can put on the ball is ridiculous," Marsch enthused. "And I say 'modern day' because he is more mobile and more dynamic [than Beckham]."
The comparison to Beckham is also somewhat apt because of his popularity and celebrity-like status in Hungary, which has brought with it an incredible and intense level of scrutiny. He has been dealing with talk of him being 'The next Ferenc Puskas' for years now.