Liverpool entered the 2024/25 season with a reputation to uphold.
Arne Slot’s debut campaign in charge could hardly have gone better, with the Reds claiming the Premier League title.
Yet this summer has brought significant change at Anfield, with a reshaped attack, a record-breaking midfield signing, and the arrival of a long-pursued striker.
The summer business was headline-grabbing.
Florian Wirtz joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m, briefly becoming the most expensive player in British football history before that record was broken weeks later by Alexander Isak’s £125m switch from Newcastle.
The squad was further bolstered by Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Geovani Leoni and Hugo Ekitike, while mainstays Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez departed.
Results at the start of the season have been strong – a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, a 3-2 victory at Newcastle, and a 1-0 triumph against Arsenal before the international break.
But behind the scenes, Slot still has questions to answer.
Wirtz's struggles at the start of the season
Signed from Leverkusen after interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Wirtz was expected to light up Anfield.
Instead, the playmaker has endured a difficult start, raising the possibility of tactical adjustments.
Starting all three league matches, he has yet to register a goal or an assist.
While he grew into the second half against Arsenal, critics have noted that his influence does not match the price tag.
This issue has also extended to international duty.
After Germany’s 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in World Cup qualifying, manager Julian Nagelsmann publicly questioned his players’ commitment.
Wirtz responded days later with a direct free-kick goal against Northern Ireland, showing flashes of quality that hint at his long-term potential.
But Liverpool fans are still waiting for that same spark in red.
His numbers underline the paradox. According to FBref, Wirtz ranked highly for creativity and progression last season: 5.02 progressive carries, 6.74 progressive passes, and 5.66 shot-creating actions per 90.
Yet those underlying metrics have not yet translated into output, leaving Slot with a conundrum.
Liverpool's Wirtz solution
This is where Dominik Szoboszlai enters the conversation.
Lauded by journalist Bence Bocsák as “Gerrard-esque,” the Hungarian has quietly been one of Liverpool’s most effective performers this term.
After being criticised by Slot for his part in Bournemouth’s opening goal on the first day, he responded emphatically.
A stunning 30-yard free-kick secured victory against Arsenal, while his stint at right-back in the raucous win at St James’ Park highlighted his versatility.
Szoboszlai has typically been deployed in defensive midfield or even wide to cover injuries, including Jeremie Frimpong’s absence.
But it could be argued that his natural home is in attacking midfield, the very role Wirtz is occupying.
With Alexis Mac Allister struggling for fitness, a space has opened up – and Szoboszlai has the credentials to fill it.
Statistically, Szoboszlai compares favourably in some key areas.
Matches Played
31
36
Goals
10
6
Assists
12
6
Progressive Carries
131
72
Progressive Passes
176
131
His pass completion rate of 84.3% dwarfs Wirtz’s 78.3%, while his pressing intensity and stamina have been widely praised.
He averages 4.73 progressive passes and 4.30 shot-creating actions per 90 – slightly behind Wirtz, but with greater efficiency.
His ability to contribute defensively adds another dimension to Slot’s midfield puzzle.
Wirtz still leads the way for goal involvements last season (22 to Szoboszlai’s 12), and his 198.1 progressive passing distance per 90 shows his ability to advance play.
But Szoboszlai’s adaptability may give him the edge in the short term, particularly in high-intensity fixtures where control and work rate are paramount.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The tactical question, then, is whether Liverpool persist with Wirtz to allow him to adapt, or whether Slot pivots towards a proven performer in Szoboszlai.
With Isak now leading the line and Mohamed Salah and Ekitike offering themselves from wide, creativity from midfield is vital.
Wirtz will almost certainly prove his value at Anfield over the long haul, but Szoboszlai offers a compelling case right now.
His pressing, ball progression, and leadership have been crucial to Liverpool’s perfect start, while his ability to step into Wirtz’s role could provide the spark needed in the months ahead.
As Slot weighs his options, Liverpool supporters may soon see the Hungarian restored to his preferred role – and if he continues to play as he has, the £116m signing could find himself fighting for minutes sooner than expected.
