Liverpool went down swinging against PSG, and Dominik Szoboszlai’s leadership shone through again both in the buildup to the tie, and on the night.
The 2-0 scoreline is a harsh reflection on the Reds, who were the better team on the night. Unfortunately, that means absolutely nothing in the Champions League.
Liverpool fought bravely against PSG, but ultimately came up short in a game that represented one last chance at silverware this season. There won’t be any parades on Merseyside, and it’s an unfamiliar feeling for Szoboszlai in particular.
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Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Dominik Szoboszlai confirms first trophyless season against PSG
It was a hugely impressive record while it stood. The Hungarian won at least one piece of silverware in each of the previous eight seasons that make up his professional career — 11 trophies in total.
That run came to an end this year, which has ironically been the best of his career. He has been Liverpool’s best and most consistent player in a season where the team has struggled massively.
With nothing but a place in the Premier League top five to play for, getting past PSG was his last chance at carrying on that run.
In his pre-match press conference, Szoboszlai urged his teammates to give everything to mount a comeback at Anfield.
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He even said: “I’m ready to die tomorrow on the pitch, just like all my teammates. We’ll give 100% from the first minute until the last, and for 125 minutes if necessary.”
Arne Slot and Dominik Szoboszlai discuss Liverpool tactics
Photo by Max Maiwald/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Now, his teammates are a different story, but Liverpool’s number eight lived up to his end of the bargain.
Szoboszlai ranked first among all players for touches (99), passes (62), tackles (5), recoveries (11), duels (10) and aerial duels (3). It’s not just listing off filler stats, it’s showing that he was the one with the impetus, with the drive to turn the tie around.
It didn’t happen for Liverpool, and Szoboszlai will have to go without a trophy for the first time in his career, but the effort and grit he showed, the accountability he took, it’s all the makings of a Liverpool captain.
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