The message, from a Liverpool fanbase who know Dominik Szoboszlai can offer so much more, is something along the lines of ‘take a leaf out of Alexis Mac Allister’s book’
While Arne Slot’s Premier League champions-in-waiting slipped up at Craven Cottage – suffering their first away defeat of the top-flight campaign in April, no less – their Argentine playmaker saw his stunning early effort rendered somewhat meaningless
And that’s a shame, really, because it deserved a lot more.
As he strode forward from deep, Alexis Mac Allister unleashed a thumping, Steven Gerrard-esque drive into the back of the Fulham net.
Even Manchester United legend Paul Scholes was impressed. And, given that Scholes is the sort of character who could greet the very mysteries of the universe with an unimpressed grumble, that is saying something.
Now, Dominik Szoboszlai is clearly capable of the same genre of electrifying long-range finish. Any YouTube compilation of the Hungarian’s finest moments is chock-full of 25-yard screamers and the odd free-kick bonanza.
Yet, while Szoboszlai clearly has few problems finding the onion bag on the training pitch as footage from Liverpool’s official X account shows, when it comes to a matchday, the £60 million signing from RB Leipzig often opts to keep his powder dry rather than light the fuse.
Liverpool fans urge Dominik Szoboszlai to shoot more under Arne Slot
There is a lot to be said, of course, for the unselfish workhorse-role Szoboszlai has embraced under Arne Slot. Jamie Carragher summed Szoboszlai up pretty nicely when he said Liverpool’s number eight excels when doing the ‘dirty work’.
Yet, with only eight goals from 62 Premier League appearances, the feeling is that a midfielder with a foot like a traction engine – to quote a fresh-faced Alan Partridge – should maybe back himself more after embarking on one of those trademark thundering runs towards the edge of the penalty area.
“[Szoboszlai] refuses to shoot during games and MUST pass to [Mo] Salah every chance he gets,” one fan writes after watching the 24-year-old former Red Bull Salzburg man lash home with both feet during his pre-West Ham preparations
He has the shot power as well and I wonder why he doesn’t shoot,” another wonders. “I’m glad everyone observes that.
“Someone tell him he’s the best pure ball-striker even above Trent [Alexander-Arnold] in the team. I wish he was just a little more forceful. He would be one of the best all-round midfielders in league. Defensive work-rate and attitude is all top-notch. Just needs to force the issue more
“Wish Stevie [Gerrard] would have a word with him about this. It would elevate his game.”
Szoboszlai urged to emulate Alexis Mac Allister as West Ham loom
Of course, when you have the lethal Mo Salah screaming for the ball in an advanced position, you can maybe understand why Szoboszlai opts to pass over the burden to the Premier League’s most efficient finisher.
And, it should be pointed out, he actually averages two shots per game in the top-flight. Only Diogo Jota [2.1] and Salah [3.5] produce more.
Yet, despite taking his game to a new level under Slot, there is still a feeling that Szoboszlai has only scratched the surface of his potential.
“Why won’t you shoot like this in actual matches, Dominik brother…,” one supporter sighs.
“He needs to shoot more in games, assist more. A little bit ego from him is needed on the pitch
“Any chance he can shoot on Sunday instead of looking to pass the thing as soon as he gets it? Take note from Alexis.”