Smicer Backs Szoboszlai to Become Liverpool’s Midfield Leader Like Nedved

Vladimir Smicer believes Dominik Szoboszlai is developing into the midfield leader Liverpool need, drawing a comparison between the Hungarian and 2003 Ballon d’Or winner Pavel Nedved as the Reds prepare to visit Bournemouth on Sunday.

Key takeaways

• Szoboszlai struck a 30-yard free-kick in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Tottenham, with the effort curling into the top corner.
• Smicer sees shared physicality, shooting ability and leadership traits in Szoboszlai and fellow Czech midfielder Nedved.
• The 25-year-old has been used in a range of positions, including occasional appearances at right-back.
• Liverpool are unbeaten in the 2026-27 season under Andoni Iraola, although they have not yet consistently hit their highest level.
• The Reds’ next match before the first international break is away to Bournemouth.

Smicer sees a Nedved-like influence

Smicer, who made 183 appearances and scored 19 goals during six years at Liverpool, remains closely engaged with the club he helped to the 2005 Champions League title in Istanbul. The former Czechia international has been particularly encouraged by Szoboszlai’s increasing importance.

Nedved was among Europe’s outstanding midfielders during his playing career, combining goal threat, creativity and relentless running. His 2003 Ballon d’Or reflected his standing at the time, and Smicer believes Szoboszlai possesses several of the same attributes.

“They are alike physically,” Smicer said of Szoboszlai and Nedved. “Both can cover ground, compete and shoot. Pavel worked extremely hard and Szobo does that too. He can run and tackle, while both can score using either foot. They also share leadership qualities.”

Smicer said Liverpool require authority throughout the side despite Virgil van Dijk’s continued presence in the squad. In his view, Szoboszlai is increasingly supplying that presence from midfield.

He added that Szoboszlai had already played with the responsibility of a leading figure during the previous campaign, when Smicer considered him Liverpool’s outstanding player. The former Reds midfielder said the Hungarian’s broad skill set gives him the capacity to create, distribute and score, provided he continues to work consistently.

Role flexibility and Liverpool’s next test

Szoboszlai’s versatility has offered Liverpool options across the pitch, including spells at right-back. However, his most influential work is generally expected to come higher up the field, where he can connect midfield to attack and make use of his shooting from distance and dead-ball delivery.

His latest spectacular goal came against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, when he ended the contest with a powerful strike from 30 yards. The ball dipped and bent beyond the goalkeeper into the top corner, adding to a growing collection of notable free-kicks.

Liverpool have made an unbeaten start to 2026-27 under Spanish head coach Iraola, but there remains scope for improvement as the team seeks greater fluency. Their trip to Bournemouth on Sunday is the final fixture before the first international break, and Szoboszlai will again be expected to play a central role.