RB Leipzig boss gives honest opinion on Liverpool star who Arne Slot wants more from

RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose has commented on the form of ex-player Dominik Szoboszlai ahead of their Champions League clash.

The Hungarian departed Germany in 2023 to sign for Liverpool in a £60m deal and has been a key player from the very first game against Chelsea of that season. Under Arne Slot, he has also been an ever-present but, despite the backing, he has struggled to improve his output from last season.

With such ability (he regularly managed double figures for goal contributions across spells at RB Salzburg and Leipzig) he perhaps should be achieving more. After all, he has a strong seven players behind him and more of a license to attack under Slot rather than Klopp. Given he is set to return to his former club, the current Leipzig boss Rose gave his view on the Liverpool star.

It is one goal and three assists in 10 matches currently but his overall figures show he ranks among the elite in his position for several key metrics. He ranks in the 97th percentile or above for touches in the opposition area, progressive carries, shots total, progressive passes received, non-penalty expected goals and NPxG plus assisted goals - all of which is highly impressive.

“Szobo is doing great in Liverpool,” raved the former Borussia Monchengladbach manager, who played under Jurgen Klopp once upon a time at Mainz. He maybe needed a bit of time to settle in. Now, he’s affecting games and is an important part of the team. He’s in great shape at the moment. We’re excited to see him tomorrow, but we obviously want to win.”

As mentioned, he has failed to live up to the billing of the league’s other creative outlets. Take the likes of Martin Odegaard and Cole Palmer as main examples. Even Slot gave him that public constructive criticism to suggest he should be producing more often. “Last season he scored three (league goals) and for an attacking midfielder at Liverpool, his numbers need to go up.”

Even Szoboszlai himself has conceded he has must do better. “I set the bar even higher (than 10 goals and 10 assists). I told myself, 25. It doesn’t matter how many goals and assists specifically, I just want 25. But if it will be only 20, I will sign the paper right now.” His main competition for the role has been injured at the start of this season and the return of Harvey Elliott next month could be a catalyst for some change in Slot’s side. Elliott is more industrious in attack and produced the best season of his career last time out. Regardless, Liverpool have two great options in that position.