Dominik Szoboszlai has sent a clear message to Florian Wirtz : he's not ready to relinquish his spot in Liverpool's starting line-up without a scrap.
The Hungarian playmaker was Arne Slot's go-to No. 10 during the Reds' triumphant Premier League campaign. The 24-year-old, who made the switch from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, racked up 49 appearances across all competitions last term.
With 40 starts under his belt, the Hungary skipper chipped in with eight goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Liverpool's title success. Yet Liverpool is on the brink of securing the services of another attacking midfielder in Wirtz.
The Merseyside club has struck an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen, with the German prodigy set to have a medical on Friday before sealing his move to Anfield.
Szoboszlai has now weighed in on the looming transfer, making it clear that he doesn't see Wirtz as a threat to his position.
"No, I don't think so," he replied, via oghuncrew, when asked if he was 'afraid' of the arrival of the German. "Of course, if they buy a player for €150m they probably won't keep him on the bench. But then we have to find a way to play together.
Dominik Szoboszlai is under pressure to keep his spot in Liverpool's starting XI
Dominik Szoboszlai is under pressure to keep his spot in Liverpool's starting XI (Image: Getty Images)
"If you say that it will be difficult for me, then we'll wait and see how it will be after pre-season. In the end, you might be right but I don't give up easily.
"I think he knows that getting into a Premier League-winning team is a hard job and takes work."
Last season saw Szoboszlai often deployed as a No. 10, but for Liverpool's second-to-last match against Brighton, Arne Slot opted to utilise him in a deeper role.
"Dominik is playing as an eight, with Ryan (Gravenberch) as a six and Harvey (Elliott) a bit more forward," the Dutchman explained ahead of the game. "Dominik sees his best position as an eight as well, so it will be interesting to see how he does in this position."
As a result, the Hungarian international is poised to vie for a spot in the starting lineup in both midfield roles, contending with talents such as Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones.
Yet the introduction of the German prodigy might spell trouble for Harvey Elliott. The young playmaker, currently representing England Under-21s at the European Championships, was relegated to a lesser role last term, overshadowed by Szoboszlai in the number 10 slot.
The 22-year-old, who was sidelined for three months due to a fractured foot, found minutes hard to come by after his recovery. Elliott made 28 appearances across all competitions but only started twice in the Premier League under Slot – both times after the league title was out of reach.
With Wirtz now adding to the midfield congestion, Elliott has hinted that a departure from Liverpool could be on the cards this summer as he considers his future.