Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has praised Dominik Szoboszlai after the midfielder confidently took a free-kick despite Mohamed Salah wanting it, scoring in the Reds' 3-0 Champions League win over Marseille
Stephen Killen Senior Sport Central Audience Writer and Rich Jones
01:02, 22 Jan 2026
Liverpool beat Marseille after Szboszlai's free kick
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has heaped praise on Dominik Szoboszlai following his display in their 3-0 victory over Marseille.
The Reds icon couldn't contain his admiration for the Hungarian's boldness after he ignored Anfield great Mohamed Salah as they prepared to take a dangerous free-kick that resulted in the opening goal. Both Salah and Szoboszlai stood over the set-piece, but it was the midfielder, Liverpool's standout performer this season, who cleverly slid the ball beneath the wall to unlock the defense.
The result proved vital for Arne Slot's team as they extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches and secured a place in the top eight of the Champions League qualification phase. The victory puts them within touching distance of the Round of 16 and, crucially, allows them to bypass the playoff round of Europe's premier competition.
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Gerrard highlighted Szoboszlai's contribution afterwards and relished how the midfielder seized control of the moment to execute a brilliant free-kick despite Salah's involvement.
Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: "I think it's more important when you're in terrific form and you're in a really good place, you can see he's oozing confidence."
"Do you know what I love before the free-kick? He's got Salah in his ear, he's got his hand over his mouth, 'I want to take it, this is made for a left-footer' and he doesn't take one word off the most iconic player Liverpool have had in a long time.
"I love his confidence, he backs himself, the execution but that is made days ago, he's gone in the analyst department that this wall is a jumper. I think most players, if Salah is in your ear, most people would step aside but I love how he said, 'no chance' and takes no notice, I love it."
Steven Gerrard.
Steven Gerrard.(Image: )
Speaking ahead of the match, Gerrard enthused: "A little bit of over-confidence has crept in, in recent weeks. He has been Liverpool's most consistent player, he's improved since last year as well. He's got everything, he can play a 10, can play at right-back, he's a manager's dream.
"If he can stay humble, keep growing, improving and keeps growing, he can get to another level in my opinion. The talent is there, he has the right people to go again, he's got to stay a little bit umble because the ego has creeped in, the backheel, smashing the penalty against the bar.
"(I'd say to him) Keep your feet on the ground, you're a top, top player but keep your feet on the ground to grow and get better.' I want him to get to that next level, he can get to that world class level. He has shown that in games this season that he's capable of that. I love watching him. It'll be a shame if he doesn't push himself to the next level because it's there for him."
The 25 year old Liverpool star has drawn parallels with the Anfield legend since his arrival from RB Leipzig.
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Szoboszlai has found his stride at Liverpool, taking on the iconic number eight shirt – previously worn by Gerrard himself. On Wednesday evening, the midfielder etched his name alongside the England legend in the record books, becoming just the third Liverpool player to score or provide an assist in five consecutive Champions League fixtures, achieving the feat from a set piece.
Szoboszlai said: "I did my homework, I got told that if no one is laying down that maybe I can hit it under the wall. No one was, I tried it and it worked out."
The Hungarian has previously addressed comparisons to Liverpool's Champions League-winning legend, and whilst he welcomed such praise, he made clear his ambition to forge his own legacy at the club.
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He said: "I want to do it my own way but of course it feels good if they say I am the new Steven Gerrard. It's nice to have the number eight shirt because really great players played in it.
"But I just want to be myself and if I can get that big in this club like he was I'll be really happy."
A second-half own goal from Geronimo Rulli following excellent work from Jeremie Frimpong and a late Cody Gakpo strike secured the impressive victory in France for the Reds.