Liverpool supporters have plenty to thank Dominik Szoboszlai for this season as he continues to add to his highlight reel.
Having already belted in some brilliant goals since August, the Hungarian added one more to the collection on Saturday with a thunderous strike in front of the Kop.
In truth, his performance against Brighton in the FA Cup was not the most standout of his campaign, but he still ended it with a goal which will live long in the memory.
Who gets your vote for man of the match in an excellent win over Brighton, and why?
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Curtis Jones points to the Anfield stand in celebration during Liverpool's FA Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
After missing Wednesday’s match against Sunderland through suspension, Szoboszlai was back in the side and back showing why he is regarded by many as being Liverpool‘s Player of the Year.
Speaking after another Szoboszlai stunner, former Reds midfielders David Thompson and Jay Spearing claimed that the 25-year-old could even go one better and win the country’s Footballer of the Year award.
David Thompson backs Dominik Szoboszlai for award
Given their lowly status in the Premier League this season, it seems unlikely that Liverpool players will be in the running for any of the end of season individual trophies.
Thompson and Spearing disagree, however, telling The Official Liverpool FC Podcast that Szoboszlai could be gearing up for a head-to-head battle with Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring for Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
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“This season I think personally, I’m not too sure what Thommo thinks, I think he’s been Liverpool’s best player,” said Spearing. “He’s been the most consistent, he’s brought so much.”
“I think you need to rephrase that,” Thompson interjected. “He could be up for Footballer of the Year at this rate. I think he’s only got competition from Declan Rice I’d say. It’s quite tight at the top up there.”
“Listen, by the way, there’s no argument from me with that because I genuinely think he’s been brilliant,” Spearing responded. “He’s stepped up when we’ve needed goals, he’s stepped into positions that he’s not played and done unbelievably well.”
You’re Richard Hughes, how are you responding when Real Madrid call to ask about Szoboszlai?
What price are you quoting?
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates in front of the Kop after scoring in Liverpool's FA Cup fourth round match against Brighton at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Charlotte Wilson/Offside).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Charlotte Wilson/Offside
Could Szoboszlai really win?
Unlike last season, where Mohamed Salah was the Premier League’s outstanding player by a country mile, there hasn’t been a similar situation this time.
Rice appears to be leading the way, but that is perhaps more for the fact that Arsenal look likely to win the title more than anything.
The 26-year-old has been good for Mikel Arteta’s side, but has he really done anything particularly special?
If that is the barometer we are using this season then there is no reason why Szoboszlai should not be rivalling Rice. The Liverpool man has arguably been just as consistent as his Gunners counterpart while providing some spectacular moments on top.
A lot here will depend on who comes out as first in the title race, with Erling Haaland surely in with a shout if Man City overhaul Arsenal in first place. But if the Gunners do win a first league title for 22 years, you’d have to say that Szoboszlai might be an outside runner.
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