There comes a point when a manager has to make difficult decisions. Andoni Iraola needs to recognise that Liverpool might actually be a better team without Dominik Szoboszlai in the starting eleven at the moment.
That might not be a popular opinion, particularly given the Hungarian’s energy, work rate and obvious ability. But football isn’t about picking your biggest names and hoping everything falls into place. It’s about finding the right balance and selecting players who complement one another.
And I think Liverpool have some combinations that deserve to be given a proper run.
Wirtz is the better No.10 – it’s not even close
For me, Florian Wirtz is a far better natural No.10 than Szoboszlai.
Wirtz has the vision, creativity, close control and ability to find those passes that unlock defences. He wants to receive the ball between the lines, turn and make things happen. That’s exactly what Liverpool need from their attacking midfielder.
Szoboszlai has plenty of qualities, but I don’t believe moving him into the No.10 role is the answer. We have already seen how difficult it can be to get the right balance when he is asked to play there.
Wirtz should be the man in that position. Give him the responsibility, build around his strengths and allow him to develop an understanding with the forwards.
He has had his difficult moments, but I still believe there is a top-class player in there. We need to get the best out of him rather than constantly questioning his position.
Nyoni and Mac Allister look a better midfield partnership
The other combination I would like Iraola to stick with is Trey Nyoni alongside Alexis Mac Allister in the double pivot.
I like what Nyoni brings to this team. He has composure, energy, an ability to carry the ball and, importantly, he looks forward when he receives possession.
Mac Allister offers experience, intelligence and control. Together, I think they give Liverpool a better balance than trying to fit Szoboszlai into the same midfield.
Nyoni is still only 19, so we have to be sensible with how much responsibility we put on his shoulders. But that doesn’t mean we should hold him back when he is showing that he can contribute.
The partnership deserves more opportunities. It could give Wirtz the freedom to operate further forward without leaving Liverpool so exposed in the middle.
And let’s be honest, finding the right midfield balance has been one of Liverpool’s biggest problems.
Stop playing Szoboszlai at right-back
I also don’t believe Szoboszlai should be considered the solution at right-back.
Ronald Araújo and Joe Gomez are better options for that position. Araújo brings physicality, defensive strength and leadership, while Gomez offers experience and the ability to defend different types of opposition.
Why keep moving a midfielder out of position when we have defenders who can do the job?
Szoboszlai’s versatility is useful, but that doesn’t mean he should be moved around the pitch every time Liverpool have a problem. There is a difference between being versatile and being the best option in a particular position.
I would rather see Araújo or Gomez start at right-back and allow the midfield to settle.
Szoboszlai’s place should be on the bench – alongside Gravenberch for now
This is where I think Iraola needs to be brave.
At the moment, I would have Szoboszlai on the bench, alongside Ryan Gravenberch, rather than automatically selecting either player.
That isn’t saying they are poor footballers or that they don’t have a future at Liverpool. Both have qualities that could be important to the squad.
But nobody should have a guaranteed starting place based on reputation, transfer fee or previous performances.
If Nyoni and Mac Allister are giving Liverpool better balance, play them. If Wirtz is the better option at No.10, keep him there. If Araújo and Gomez are the stronger right-back choices, use them.
It’s really not complicated.
Szoboszlai can still make a big contribution from the bench and fight his way back into the team. Competition for places should be healthy, and Liverpool need players to earn their starting positions.
Sometimes you have to accept what is working
I want Iraola to succeed at Liverpool. I’ve said before that he needs time to build his own team, and I still believe that.
But he also needs to make decisions based on performances and team balance rather than trying to find a place for everybody.
My preferred approach would be Wirtz as the No.10, Nyoni alongside Mac Allister in midfield, and Araújo or Gomez at right-back.
That means Szoboszlai and Gravenberch having to fight for their places.
It might sound harsh, but Liverpool need a settled team, not constant positional experiments.
Sometimes the answer isn’t another tactical change or another attempt to accommodate a big-name player.
Sometimes you simply have to accept what is working.
And right now, I believe Liverpool should be building around Wirtz, Nyoni and Mac Allister.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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