Arne Slot expressed his delight at seeing Dominik Szoboszlai receive the recognition his performances deserve after the midfielder played a key role in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle United. After scoring in the crucial win against Manchester City at the Etihad, Szoboszlai continued his fine form by netting his eighth goal of the season with a well-taken left-footed strike past Nick Pope. His goal helped Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the Premier League, putting them in a commanding position in the title race.
Alexis Mac Allister added a second after the break, securing an important three points for the Reds. Slot praised Szoboszlai’s work ethic and overall contributions to the team, emphasizing that his influence goes beyond goals and assists. The Liverpool boss highlighted how the Hungarian international consistently prioritizes the team, often looking for teammates in better positions rather than taking shots himself. He referenced Szoboszlai’s unselfish assist for Darwin Núñez against Aston Villa as an example of his team-first mentality.
Slot was pleased to see the midfielder’s work rate being acknowledged, noting that while some fans and analysts primarily judge players based on their goal contributions, Szoboszlai’s relentless energy and commitment to the team have always been invaluable. He stated that the 23-year-old fully deserved the man-of-the-match award and the praise he has been receiving.
Discussing Liverpool’s midfield overall, Slot acknowledged the progress his players have made this season. He humorously remarked that if he claimed there was no improvement, it would mean he was criticizing himself, so instead, he chose to credit the hard work of his squad. He emphasized that midfielders wearing a Liverpool shirt must contribute goals, particularly those playing in advanced roles. While defensive midfielders may have different responsibilities, attacking midfielders like Szoboszlai and Mac Allister are expected to step up in key moments.
Despite serving a two-game touchline ban following his red card against Everton, Slot still had a strong presence during the match from the directors’ box. Reflecting on the experience of watching from the stands, he admitted that it was both less stressful and more frustrating. On one hand, he felt calmer without being in the middle of the emotional intensity on the touchline. However, he also acknowledged that seeing replays of key moments only added to his frustration, especially considering how animated he can be when reacting to decisions.
Ultimately, Slot was thrilled with his team’s performance, describing it as a strong collective display. Liverpool’s dominance over Newcastle further cemented their position as title favorites, with Szoboszlai playing a crucial role in their success. As the season progresses, the Hungarian midfielder’s influence will be key as the Reds push toward another historic triumph.
