Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Carabao Cup Third Round
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Carabao Cup Third Round | Simon Stacpoole/Offside/GettyImages
Every football team has its technical geniuses, its goalscorers, and its vocal leaders—but very few possess the kind of engine that leaves even seasoned professionals shaking their heads in disbelief.
Speaking on managing body recovery and the physical demands of top-level football, Andy Robertson opened up about what really goes on during intense training sessions at Kirkby. When discussing how different players handle day-to-day fitness loads, the former Liverpool full-back pointed straight to one specific midfielder.
Andy Robertson has revealed that Dominik Szoboszlai is a “machine” who could train every single day during his time at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.
The former Liverpool defender was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast when the panel discussed the intensity of modern football and how managers manage players' workloads.
Robertson was asked about the players who would seemingly start every game under former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp without needing rotation, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and the Scotsman himself among those who regularly played huge numbers of minutes under Klopp.
The Scotland international explained that players can respond differently to heavy workloads, before highlighting Szoboszlai as the perfect example.
“I look at Szoboszlai at Liverpool, he’s a machine. He would train every single day, but other lads may not be able to do it.”
That mentality has certainly been reflected in Szoboszlai's availability since joining Liverpool.
The Hungarian was arguably the club’s most important player in Arne Slot’s final campaign as Liverpool manager last season, not simply because of his 25 goal contributions and his versatility on the pitch, but in a season where the Hungarian made 53 appearances across all competitions, his best ability was availability.
The newly appointed Liverpool vice-captain's durability has been particularly valuable given the demands placed on Liverpool's midfielders.
Szoboszlai adapting to Iraola's Liverpool
Szoboszlai's importance has continued under Andoni Iraola, even though his start to the new campaign has not been completely smooth.
The midfielder endured difficult spells against Fulham and Nottingham Forest, with some loose passing and misplaced possession standing out during the opening weeks of the season.
However, he also produced a spectacular goal against Tottenham in the third round of the cup.
The cup tie remains the only match so far this season in which Szoboszlai has not started for Liverpool.
His early-season struggles may have more to do with Liverpool's tactical transition than any decline in the intensity which has made him such a valuable player, especially with Ryan Gravenberch experiencing the same difficulties in midfield.
Iraola's system has required the Hungary international to adapt to a new midfield structure, with two deeper midfielders operating behind Florian Wirtz.
That adjustment is likely to take time, particularly for a player whose game under Klopp was built around his energy, pressing and ability to cover huge amounts of ground.
Robertson's comments underline just how highly Liverpool's players regard that side of Szoboszlai's game.
For all the attention his goals and assists receive, his willingness to train at maximum intensity every day could be just as important to his role at Anfield.
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