Szoboszlai Urges Liverpool to Rediscover Intensity Under Iraola

Dominik Szoboszlai has called on Liverpool to restore the intensity he believes was missing during difficult spells last season, as the club begins life under Andoni Iraola following an uneven opening to the campaign.

Szoboszlai identifies intensity as Liverpool’s priority

Liverpool have already surrendered points against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, prompting Szoboszlai to stress that quality alone will not be enough if the side are to challenge at the top of English football again.

The Hungary captain pointed to the standards set during the 2024-25 title-winning season under Arne Slot, arguing that the squad must recover the hunger and physical edge that drove that success.

• Szoboszlai said Liverpool need a change in their approach after the drop in levels he felt developed last season.
• He believes the team have sufficient ability, provided they combine it with greater intensity and a stronger desire than their opponents.
• The midfielder’s view is that a Liverpool side playing with those qualities will be extremely difficult to contain.

Iraola’s direct approach appeals to midfielder

Iraola’s arrival has brought renewed attention to Liverpool’s pressing game. The Basque coach is associated with an aggressive, forward-thinking style built around forcing opponents into uncomfortable situations, while retaining elements reminiscent of Liverpool’s high-energy football in earlier years.

Szoboszlai said the new manager’s ideas suit him. Before working with Iraola, he spoke to Hungary colleague Milos Kerkez, who had previously played under the coach at Bournemouth, to gain an understanding of the demands involved.

The 25-year-old wants Liverpool to impose their own game rather than allow rivals to dictate the terms of matches. In his view, opponents should arrive concerned by the challenge of facing Liverpool, not the other way around.

Vice-captaincy recognises growing influence

Szoboszlai joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2023 and is now in his fourth season at Anfield, the longest spell he has spent with one club. This summer he was added to the leadership group after Andy Robertson’s departure, becoming a vice-captain alongside Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez.

He also captains Hungary and feels prepared for the added responsibility, although he does not see himself as the loudest voice in the dressing room.

• Szoboszlai aims to lead principally through his work in matches and training.
• He is willing to address teammates when necessary.
• He acknowledged that Virgil van Dijk, Gomez and Alisson are among the more experienced players who naturally take a vocal role.

Central midfield remains Szoboszlai’s preferred role

Although Szoboszlai is prepared to cover wherever Iraola needs him, he has made clear that his best position is in central midfield. He welcomed the manager’s indication that right-back is not expected to be his regular assignment, while insisting he would still fill in there if required.

His least favoured role is as a right-sided No. 7. Instead, he sees himself most naturally as a box-to-box No. 8 or an advanced central midfielder, capable of receiving possession from defenders, playing forward passes, arriving late in the penalty area and shooting from distance.