Salah's Bold Szoboszlai Praise Reveals Liverpool's Shifting Power Dynamic
Mohamed Salah acknowledged his diminishing role as Liverpool's main star when he stated that the team's achievements this season "hinge" on Dominik Szoboszlai.
The dynamic midfielder scored another goal during what is becoming one of the outstanding individual campaigns of the Premier League era. Despite Liverpool's overall difficulties, Szoboszlai has excelled, finding the back of the net for the 10th time this season with the second strike in a 3–0 FA Cup victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday night.
Salah set up the powerful shot that his colleague fired past Jason Steele before netting himself with a spot-kick in the 68th minute to seal the comfortable victory. However, despite all the praise his own performance earned, the 33-year-old directed attention squarely toward Szoboszlai.
"I believe a cup campaign hinges on his [Szoboszlai's] displays," Salah revealed when asked about Liverpool's FA Cup hopes by TNT Sports after the match. "We depend on him tremendously. This season he ranks among the finest players globally."
Throughout much of Salah's nearly nine years at Anfield, he has been Liverpool's world-class talent who shoulders the heaviest burden of responsibility regarding the club's achievements. By his own acknowledgment, that is no longer true.
Arne Slot Highlights New Strengths of Salah
Arne Slot Highlights New Strengths of Salah
Liverpool manager Arne Slot had no issues with Salah's commendation of Szoboszlai. "I believe there are numerous very talented to elite footballers worldwide, but I certainly concur with Mo that Dom is among them," he reflected in his post-match media briefing.
Regarding the qualities of Liverpool's declining star, Slot looked beyond Salah's goals and assists. "It's wonderful to see him on the scoresheet once more, but what I appreciate most is he's finding the net—you can almost anticipate that—but he also contributes significantly to the team defensively and that's something very encouraging," the Dutch manager expressed.
Salah's insufficient defensive commitment has been a concern this season.
Slot intentionally protected his veteran forward from excessive tracking back to maintain his readiness for attacking movements. That strategy succeeded brilliantly last season as Salah propelled Liverpool to their second-ever Premier League championship. "As long as you preserve me defensively, I will deliver offensively," was the winger's understanding with Slot.
Mohamed Salah vs. Dominik Szoboszlai This Season
Mohamed Salah vs. Dominik Szoboszlai This Season
Statistic (All Comps) | Mohamed Salah | Dominik Szoboszlai |
|---|---|---|
Position(s) | Right wing | Central midfield, right back |
Appearances | 27 | 35 |
Goals | 7 | 10 |
Assists | 8 | 7 |
Club Player of the Month Award | 0 | 3 |
However, when goals and assists became scarce for Salah during the opening half of the current season, he turned into a defensive weakness. Marc Cucurella specifically identified the Egypt international as a vulnerable spot that Chelsea exploited to overcome Liverpool in October.
As numerous opposing teams charged down the same exposed path to Liverpool's goal, Slot was compelled to bench Salah. The duo managed to resolve their differences only for the Africa Cup of Nations to postpone his return to play. Since being reintegrated into the squad, there has been a notable change in the winger's concentration.
During the opening half of the season, Salah regained possession 2.7 times per 90 minutes—that figure has increased to 3.5 since AFCON. He is touching the ball less frequently but more often in the penalty box, streamlining his game to the most impactful areas. Over his seven matches back in the starting lineup, Salah has scored twice and assisted his teammates on four occasions, contentedly settling into the role of supporting player rather than primary star.
While Szoboszlai may hold the key to Liverpool's silverware hopes this season, Salah will still significantly influence the club's fortunes.