Slot can finally axe Szoboszlai by unleashing Liverpool star in a new role
da esoccer bet： Liverpool faced West Ham United on Sunday looking to move one step closer to claiming Premier League glory in Arne Slot’s first season at the helm at Anfield.
da wazamba： Heading into the game, the Reds needed just four wins to claim the title, with the meeting with the Hammers on Merseyside providing another opportunity to edge closer to their second title in the last five years.
It’s not the first time Slot’s men have faced Graham Potter’s outfit at Anfield this campaign, claiming a 5-1 victory in the Carabao Cup, hoping to secure a similar result. Well, they did just that, winning 2-1 courtesy of a late, last-gasp header from skipper Virgil van Dijk.
While Liverpool were far from their best in that win over the Irons, perhaps it was helped by dropping Dominik Szoboszlai to the bench.
Dominik Szoboszlai's recent performances in numbers
Midfielder Szoboszlai has been a superb player in Liverpool’s success throughout 2024/25, notching a total of seven goals and five assists within his 43 appearances to date.
However, his recent displays, most notably against Marco Silva’s side in the defeat at Fulham over a week ago was one to forget, arguably producing one of his worst during what’s been a season to remember.
The Hungarian international featured for just 55 minutes before he was replaced, achieving a total of just 34 touches – highlighting the lack of impact he had on proceedings before his withdrawal.
The 24-year-old also only completed 79% of the passes he attempted, unable to make a huge impact within the final third, with his display showcasing why Slot needs to drop him down to the bench today.
Such a decision gave the Dutchman a potential selection headache this weekend and as a result, he started Curtis Jones in the 10.
However, is there another solution across the back end of the campaign?
Liverpool's Szoboszlai solution
Winger Luis Diaz was brought off the bench during the defeat against Fulham, scoring the Reds’ second goal and helping the side get back in the game by halving the deficit.
The Colombian’s display in the second half allowed him to build on that impressive form against the Hammers on Sunday and he took use of that, scoring the opening goal of the game, assisted beautifully by Mo Salah.
However, if Slot doesn’t fancy Jones either, this solution could be one worth taking…
Such a decision would see Cody Gakpo removed from his natural position off the left-hand side, potentially allowing him to operate in the number ten role behind the striker.
Whilst it’s not his natural role, he could thrive in such a position based on the stats he’s produced within the first team throughout the ongoing campaign.
The Dutchman has registered 1.8 changes per 90, having the ability to create opportunities for other Reds stars within the final third – something which Szoboszlai struggled to do against Silva’s men.
Cody Gakpo’s stats for Liverpool in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
28
Goals & assists
11
Pass accuracy
84%
Chances created
1.8
Dribbles completed
64%
Shots taken
2.7
Duels won
5.2
Stats via FotMob
He’s also completed 64% of the dribbles he’s attempted, showcasing his ability to get out of tight spaces – with such a tally undoubtedly aiding his chances of creating opportunities.
Gakpo, who’s been labelled “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has achieved a tally of 2.7 shots per 90 could also see him trouble the goalkeeper from distance, potentially adding to his tally of two league goals scored from outside the box in 2024/25.
Whilst the Hungarian has been the man to operate in such a role this season, with just a few games remaining, Slot could experiment in the upcoming matches – looking for potential solutions ahead of the summer.
Gakpo has the tools to operate in such a role, with such a switch possibly allowing him to get the best out of his skillset and move the side one step closer to league glory in the coming weeks.
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