Dominik Szoboszlai has become one of Liverpool’s most adaptable players since Arne Slot’s arrival, filling roles across midfield and defence whenever the team has needed him.
The Hungarian has featured as a right-back, a right winger, and in multiple midfield positions over the past two seasons, often stepping in during injury crises.
UK ONLY
That versatility has carried into the new campaign under Andoni Iraola, who replaced Slot as Liverpool head coach this summer.
Iraola has already spoken publicly about wanting to use Szoboszlai’s flexibility, saying the 25-year-old is “ready” to play “as a right winger, as a right-back, as a left-back” if required.
Szoboszlai himself has never shied away from switching positions, insisting he wants to help the team regardless of where he plays.
But sitting down with Steven Gerrard for a TNT Sports interview, he offered a clearer picture of where he stands with his new manager.
Asked by Gerrard whether he had discussed a more settled role with Iraola, Szoboszlai gave a direct answer.
“I think he made it clear, one time, that I’m not going to play right-back, which meant a lot to me,” he said.
He added a caveat, making clear he remains open to filling in there if circumstances demand it.
“But, if he needs me there, I’m going to be available. The only position I really didn’t like was the 7,” he said, referencing the right-wing role.
Szoboszlai also named his preferred position, describing himself as a box-to-box eight who likes to drop deep for the ball before arriving late in the box.
“8 to 10 – like a box-to-box 8. Get the balls from the defender, give the long passes, but also arrive in the box, shots from a little bit further. That’s what I really like,” he said.
Iraola’s own comments suggest the picture is not quite as settled as Szoboszlai’s words imply.
Speaking separately about the midfielder, the Liverpool boss said: “Sometimes I say, ‘Okay, I see you maybe more here’ and we have discussions. But everyone is ready to help.”
He stopped short of ruling out further right-back appearances, noting the squad’s current injury situation adds to the need for cover across positions.
The right-back question has followed Szoboszlai since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid in June 2025.
Jeremie Frimpong was brought in as the long-term option but has struggled to establish himself, leaving Szoboszlai to deputise there under Slot on several occasions last season.
Liverpool have opened the new Premier League campaign with back-to-back 2-2 draws, away at Newcastle United and at home to Nottingham Forest, while securing their first win last weekend in a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.
Szoboszlai used the interview to call for greater intensity from the squad.
“It has to change, this is what we missed last season. If we can bring this intensity back and that we want it more than the others, we have the quality and this, together, no one can stop us,” he said.
Support DaveOCKOP and enjoy the site completely ad-free. You’ll get an uninterrupted browsing experience while helping us continue to deliver the latest Liverpool news, breaking stories and exclusives. Go ad-free today.