Liverpool thinks the £60 million player can play in an entirely different position the next year

Liverpool is still searching for a potent No. 6 to help Arne Slot close the score with Arsenal and Manchester City.

Having offered £110 million for Moises Caicedo last summer before settling on a stopgap solution in Wataru Endo, the Reds are all too aware of the need for an imposing midfield presence, one that can equal what Rodri and Declan Rice have contributed to Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s respective clubs.

It’s interesting to note that Liverpool think they already have a solution at Anfield, but he is hesitant to play as the number six.

Dominik Szoboszlai is a player that Liverpool believes can play deeper.

Liverpool think Dominik Szoboszlai has what it takes to play in a deeper No. 6 role next season, according to an intriguing piece from the Telegraph.

The rumour is that several at Anfield think the Hungary international might have a bigger role, but he is hesitant to take it on. Slot has not stated that he intends to act on this belief for the upcoming season.

After spending £60 million to join from RB Leipzig, Szoboszlai made an early impression last season as Jurgen Klopp deployed him in an attacking midfield role. However, as the 2023–24 campaign progressed, the Hungarian’s impact decreased.

In the end, the 23-year-old made 45 appearances, scoring seven goals and dishing out four assists.

He did not have any form of goal involvement in his last 12 Premier League games.

International Hungary is not the solution to the sixth issue.

Although Endo, a 31-year-old Japan international, was a good addition for just £17 million last summer, he is not a long-term solution for the No. 6 position.

Given how important that position is in the present day, Liverpool definitely must sign a marquee alternative for it, even though Szoboszlai isn’t the solution.

Imagine the man from Székesfehérvár attempting to battle physically against Rodri or Rice in a pivotal Premier League match the following season.

Although he is no match for them defensively or physically, he could have an impact with his technical ability from deep.

According to WhoScored, Szoboszlai averaged one tackle and 0.5 interceptions per game in the Premier League the previous year.

In contrast, Rodri made 2.1 tackles on average every 90 minutes, while Rice averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions.

It’s interesting to note that, according to the CIES Football Observatory, Szoboszlai is now valued more than Rice.

Instead of forcing Szoboszlai or another kid into the No. 6 spot, Liverpool should spend big money on a good player to take that position.