Image Credits: Imago Images
Dominik Szoboszlai has quickly become one of Liverpool’s most important midfield voices this season.
His energy, pressing, and set-piece threat have defined several tight Premier League contests under Arne Slot.
The Hungarian does not just cover ground — he dictates tempo and carries a real scoring threat from distance.
That influence was obvious again during Liverpool’s chaotic Super Sunday clash with Manchester City at Anfield.
The fixture had title implications and lived up to expectations. Both sides pressed high. Both chased momentum.
Szoboszlai was central to Liverpool’s push, snapping into tackles and driving transitions.
The moment that summed up his impact came midway through the second half.
From 30 yards out, he struck what commentators called a “ridiculous” free kick that bent around the wall and crashed in off the post.
It was the kind of strike that lifts a stadium and reminds supporters why Liverpool invested in him.
But elite fixtures often swing on thin margins.
As the match turned into stoppage-time chaos, Szoboszlai’s influence shifted from match-winner to last-ditch defender in a moment that would shape Liverpool’s immediate future.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time.
With Liverpool chasing an equaliser, Alisson pushed forward for a corner.
Manchester City cleared and broke toward an empty net.
Erling Haaland sprinted clear. Szoboszlai reacted instinctively.
Already booked, he pulled Haaland back to stop the goal.
VAR ruled out City’s finish for the foul, but the damage was done. Szoboszlai was shown a straight red card for denying a clear scoring chance.
His earlier brilliance — including that “ridiculous” strike — could not soften the consequence.
The suspension now follows automatically.
Szoboszlai will miss just one match, a significant blow for Liverpool during a demanding run of fixtures.
Dominik Szoboszlai is set for a stint on the sidelines following his dismissal against Manchester City, and the timing could not be worse for Arne Slot’s side.
The Hungarian midfielder will only miss the midweek trip to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, February 11.
For a side that relies heavily on his pressing and attacking thrust, Slot must now reshuffle midfield options.
From a Liverpool perspective, it was a sacrifice born from desperation. Szoboszlai prevented an immediate humiliation, but the punishment lingers.
His absence will test squad depth — and underline just how influential he has become.
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