Dominik Szoboszlai in action for Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai in action for Liverpool
The Hungarian is undoubtedly one of the Reds' most important players, with his work ethic and energy essential to their play.
Szoboszlai's influence is noted by his inclusion in Liverpool's leadership group as well.
However, this season, under Andoni Iraola, his presence in the midfield may actually be hampering the Merseyside club.
Now, with domestic football paused for international duty, Iraola has plenty of time to think about his team.
The Spaniard needs to consider a long-term change to his usage of the 26-year-old following the international break.
Liverpool could get more from Dominik Szoboszlai by moving him out of midfield
Szoboszlai has flaws as both a number 10 and as a defensive midfielder, with the Anfield side not typically using a number eight.
Iraola sets up his side with two deeper midfielders, with an attacking midfielder operating behind the striker.
However, when Szoboszlai plays as the number 10, he often drops far too deep to get on the ball, rather than staying between the lines where he can be the most dangerous.
Additionally, in the deeper midfield role, he is far too attack-minded to sit and dictate play.
And that may be why Liverpool needs to consider Szoboszlai as a long-term right-back option.
According to FotMob, Szoboszlai is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League for crossing, which would suit him moving to fullback.
He is in the 97.3rd percentile for accurate crosses with a total of 17 this season, while his 33.3 per cent accuracy puts him in the 79.7th percentile.
Additionally, he is in the 89.2nd percentile for sprints (92), a stat that he would need to utilise quite often out wide.
Liverpool's best midfield has emerged during Szoboszlai's injury
Szoboszlai's recent injury has certainly exposed an issue with the Reds' setup.
The trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Trey Nyoni and Florian Wirtz have all been performing excellently, with Iraola finding the perfect balance with them.
Nyoni offers a calming presence who is able to quickly get the ball forward into attacking areas.
Mac Allister is looking back to this best in the middle of midfield, covering plenty of distance up and down the pitch.
Meanwhile, Wirtz is beginning to show signs of adaptation under Iraola, with his performances this season a promising sign.
With that trio, and Szoboszlai at right-back, Liverpool could be much more dangerous.