Journalist suggests despite assist Liverpool star upsets balance of team

David Lynch, a journalist, argued that Dominik Szoboszlai's assist against Crystal Palace did not solve concerns about his role in Liverpool's midfield. During a podcast on Anfield Index’s Media Matters, Lynch expressed worries that the midfielder's positioning, pressing, and passing in deeper areas needed improvement. Despite Liverpool's away victory, Lynch believed the midfield was still too easy to play through, and the overall performance should be considered alongside individual attacking returns.

Lynch emphasized that a player should not be carried solely for set-piece threat. Most, if not all, of Szoboszlai's chances created had originated from set-piece situations. The journalist questioned whether the attacking reward justifies the difficulties faced in other phases of the game, such as retaining possession, advancing through midfield, and preventing the opponent from breaking forward.

Lynch highlighted two areas that Daniel Sturridge had previously emphasized before the match: pressing more intelligently and taking more risks with the ball when passing through opposition lines. While Szoboszlai has good passing range, Lynch noted that he sometimes becomes overly cautious and fails to progress the ball quickly enough.

The journalist also mentioned that energetic running does not always translate into effective defending. Szoboszlai's inability to arrive at the right time can allow opponents to escape pressure, leaving the midfielder unable to make a meaningful challenge. Lynch concluded that Szoboszlai's pressing and passing improvements were still lacking against Crystal Palace.

Regarding the future of Szoboszlai's role, Lynch suggested that he might be better suited as a number eight in a 4-3-3 formation, but Liverpool currently plays with two sixes and a 10. With Florian Wirtz improving in the advanced position, finding the right place for Szoboszlai becomes more complicated. Lynch, however, did not rule out the idea of Szoboszlai's inclusion in the team just yet.