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Slot expresses sympathy for suspended in-form Liverpool star

Originally posted on The Kop Times | By Siddharth Juyal | Last updated Dec 29, 2024 10:15 AM ET

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot empathised with the missed chance of playing a well-rested midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai against West Ham United. Szoboszlai received a yellow card against Leicester City during the 3-1 Boxing Day victory, reaching the suspension limit.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an outstanding outing against Tottenham Hotspur, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the 3-6 victory. Szoboszlai faced pressure to contribute more during the early stages of the season, but his all-around output received regular praise.

The Hungary captain has played a pivotal role with his hard-working style of play and technical abilities on the ball. Slot uses the rotation policy to maintain the player’s fitness with Szoboszlai requiring more rotation due to his undeniable industry.

Speaking to the reporters (via Liverpoolfc.com) during the pre-match press conference, Slot revealed the ruined plan of using Szoboszlai against West Ham. He said:

“Yeah, that’s what you saw [on Thursday] as well, because I think Dominik Szoboszlai was outstanding against Tottenham Hotspur and the idea and plan was that he should be outstanding against West Ham. But he is not available so someone else should be outstanding against West Ham.”

The Reds’ midfield have played a pivotal role in the club’s success during the first half of the current season. Szoboszlai has competed with in-form Curtis Jones for the starting role with both players also complementing each other when they played together.

The Hungary captain has scored three goals and provided four assists in all competitions for Liverpool from 24 matches. The Reds have won 22 out of 26 games in all competitions this season, showcasing dominance in their all-round play.

Szoboszlai has to wait until January to play for Liverpool again as West Ham is the last 2024 game. Liverpool will face Manchester United in the first game of the year in 2025 with no margin for error.

The Reds are currently six points ahead of second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League with a game in hand. Liverpool are also at the top of the Champions League table, reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

This article first appeared on The Kop Times and was syndicated with permission.

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