Szoboszlai: Liverpool Can Thrive Under Iraola With Restored Intensity

Dominik Szoboszlai believes Liverpool can become a formidable force under Andoni Iraola if they restore the work rate and aggression he felt were missing last season. The Hungary midfielder delivered the message after the Reds opened their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 away win over Ipswich Town on Friday.

A first league win for Iraola

Liverpool’s victory at Ipswich was their first in the league under Iraola, who succeeded Arne Slot following the club’s disappointing title defence. Alexander Isak settled the contest with two early goals, giving the new head coach a positive result at the start of his tenure.

Szoboszlai said he has quickly taken to Iraola’s approach, particularly the demand for a direct and high-energy style. He feels Liverpool have the individual ability required to challenge opponents, but says that quality must be matched by a greater collective desire.

• Liverpool beat Ipswich Town 2-0 away from home on Friday.
• Alexander Isak scored both goals early in the match.
• The result was Iraola’s first Premier League win as Liverpool head coach.
• Szoboszlai believes intensity was a key shortcoming in the previous campaign.

Szoboszlai calls for renewed intensity

Speaking with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Szoboszlai said the side’s energy levels need to rise. “It has to change,” he said when asked whether Liverpool’s intensity would differ from last term. “That is what we lacked last season.”

The 25-year-old added that Liverpool’s prospects would look very different if they could combine their technical quality with a stronger physical and competitive edge. In his view, a team that runs harder and wants the result more than its opponent would be extremely difficult to contain.

“If we get that intensity back, and want it more than the other side, we have the quality,” Szoboszlai said. “Put those things together and nobody can stop us.”

Midfield role remains his preference

Szoboszlai also outlined the role in which he believes he can make his greatest contribution. His preferred position is as a box-to-box No. 8: receiving possession from the defence, playing forward passes, supporting attacks in the final third and arriving in shooting positions.

He said he enjoys contributing from distance as well as making late runs into the penalty area, rather than operating solely as a deeper midfielder.

Right-back cover still available if required

During the previous season, Szoboszlai was used at right-back on several occasions because of injury issues affecting Jeremie Frimpong in his first campaign at the club. The midfielder has now been assured by Iraola that a permanent switch to the role is not being considered.

That clarification was important to Szoboszlai, although he stressed he will continue to provide emergency cover wherever Liverpool need him. “He made clear to me that I will not be playing at right-back, and that meant a lot,” he said. “But if the team needs me there, I will be available.”