Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai has made it clear that he won't be giving up his spot in Arne Slot's team without a fight amid Florian Wirtz's impending arrival at Anfield
09:43, 19 Jun 2025
Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary vies with Florian Wirtz of Germany during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Germany and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 19, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany
Arne Slot will be tasked with making Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai co-exist(Image: Getty Images)
Dominik Szoboszlai has sent a defiant message ahead of Florian Wirtz's blockbuster move to Liverpool.
Wirtz, whose transfer saga is growing ever closer to completion, is anticipated to be one of the first names in Arne Slot's starting XI next season following his record-breaking £116.5million move from Bayer Leverkusen. But the Reds boss will need to figure out exactly where he fits into the side.
The Germany international, 22, has been primarily utilised as a No. 10 for club and country, although he's no stranger to playing out wide or further forward through the middle. It's been claimed that Slot helped convince him that Anfield was the right destination by promising the attacking midfield berth that Szoboszlai mostly operated in for their title-winning campaign.
He contributed six goals and seven assists in the Premier League, although the Hungarian international has typically played in a more central role throughout his career, hinting that he might be in more direct competition with Alexis Mac Allister next season.
However, Szoboszlai has braced himself for battle, confident in facing the "difficult" competition for his place on the squad. Speaking to oghuncrew, he was asked if he should be "afraid" about Wirtz's imminent arrival.
"No, I don't think so," Szoboszlai, 24, answered. "Of course, if they buy a player for €150m, they probably won't keep him on the bench.
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"But then we have to find a way to play together. If you say that it will be difficult for me, then we'll wait and see how it will be after pre-season.
Florian Wirtz of Germany looks dejected during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Germany and Portugal at Munich Football Arena on June 04, 2025
Wirtz has been warned that his team-mate to be will put up a fight for his spot(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
"In the end, you might be right, but I don't give up my place easily. I think he knows that getting into a Premier League-winning team is a hard job and takes work."
Slot hinted at a change in role for Szoboszlai before Liverpool's penultimate game of the season against Brighton. "Dominik sees his best position as an eight as well, so it will be interesting to see how he does in this position," he said.
Ryan Gravenberch has bossed the holding midfield spot since the Dutchman took the helm, while Mac Allister also offered sufficient goal threat from a slightly deeper position. But with another jam-packed season on the horizon, having such a headache is certainly a luxury for Slot.
Despite ultimately breezing to the title, his squad did show signs of wear and tear towards the tail-end of the season. Players like Wataru Endo, who's adamant about staying put this summer, and Curtis Jones will be crucial as super-subs once more.
The jury's still out on whether Harvey Elliott will stick with the Reds by the time the transfer window shuts. The 22-year-old's got his mind set on the Under-21 Euros with England for now, but he's got some serious thinking to do about his future at a pivotal moment in his career.
While Szoboszlai might hold onto his spot next to Wirtz, Elliott is definitely being nudged back down the ranks. A loan move could be a temporary fix, but his quest for consistent game time might call for a full-on departure.
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