5 reasons Liverpool fans have already fallen in love with a ‘modern-day David Beckham’

The Reds moved fast to match the buy-out clause in the Hungarian’s contract with RB Leipzig, and he’s spent no time in winning over the Kop.

A sizable number of Liverpool fans have spent the international break practically shouting Dominik Szoboszlai’s praises, which is both astonishing and telling. For starters, the Hungarian merely arrived at Anfield during the summer. Second, he doesn’t have a surname that lends itself well to rhymes.

Szoboszlai is difficult to say and spell, as Liverpool have discovered. During the pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich on August 8, there was a misspelling on the back of the summer signing’s shirt, which was noted. “You’ll get the hang of spelling Szoboszlai eventually, trust us,” joked RB Leipzig’s admin on Twitter.

The fans have taken little time to get used to the name, owing mostly to Szoboszlai’s speed in attaching himself to the Kop.

Gerrard inspired me

It didn’t hurt that he revealed shortly after arriving that he has a tattoo inspired by club hero Steven Gerrard that reads: ‘Talent is a blessing from God, but without enormous determination and humility, it is meaningless.’ As far as initial impressions go, that was clearly a good one.

However, what has been particularly gratifying is that they do not appear to be hollow words. Szoboszlai’s talent, drive, and humility have all been on display in his first few weeks at Liverpool, which is why the supporters have taken to their new No.8 so swiftly.

He’s talked about putting his feet on the ground, not looking too far ahead, and focusing on returning the club’s faith in him. Of course, his willingness to take on Gerrard’s old number demonstrates Szoboszlai’s confidence, but it also demonstrates that he is not afraid of a challenge. That has been clear throughout his first four Premier League appearances.

A fantastic start

Szoboszlai’s diverse set of abilities has deservedly garnered a lot of notice. The agile midfielder has shown a fantastic range of passing and an eye-catching ability to elegantly dodge defenders, and it came as no surprise to see him open his account last time out with a well-struck drive against Aston Villa.

Szoboszlai’s long-range shooting and dead-ball deliveries were always seen to bring another dimension to Liverpool’s offensive game. Those who had seen little of Szoboszlai at Leipzig or Red Bull Salzburg, on the other hand, have been pleasantly surprised by his industry.

As a result, the 22-year-old appears right at home in the Liverpool midfield, which is notable given that some players have previously needed time to adjust to Jurgen Klopp’s demands.

Liverpool’s £60 million’steal’

However, two coaches who have worked closely with Szoboszlai predicted this. Former Hungary assistant coach Giovanni Costantino told The Daily Mail: “Look, I don’t believe people who say, ‘Dominik will need some time to adjust to the Premier League.'” I believe he will have an immediate impact.”

Meanwhile, ex-Leipzig and Salzburg coach Jesse Marsch described Szoboszlai’s £60 million fee as “a steal,” comparing it to Manchester City’s £51 million fee for another of his former pupils, Erling Haaland.

“They are a different profile of footballer,” the American stated to The Telegraph. “Erling has the ability to change a game by scoring at will.” His pace and power are unlike anyone else’s.

“However, Szobo combines elegance and technical ability with a physical package that distinguishes him.” There aren’t many players his size that can sprint as well as he can with his brains. The point is that these two are destined to be among the world’s greatest in their respective positions.”

Haaland may have already accomplished that goal by tearing up the Premier League in his first season at the Eithad; the question now is whether Szoboszlai can replicate his success at Anfield.

‘More mobile and dynamic than Beckham,’ says one

Those who have followed his career since he made his professional debut at the age of 16 for Salzburg’s reserve side, Liefering, have long seen his potential. Meanwhile, Marsch discovered an exciting talent whom he dubbed the “modern-day David Beckham” once he arrived in Salzburg.

“With the ball on his right foot, he can put it anywhere.” “The precision and speed with which he can put the ball on the ground is ridiculous,” Marsch exclaimed. “And I say’modern-day’ because he is more mobile and dynamic [than Beckham].”

The comparison to Beckham is also partially apt given his popularity and celebrity-like status in Hungary, which has resulted in an amazing and intense level of scrutiny. He’s been dealing with rumors that he’s ‘the next Ferenc Puskas’ for years.

‘I’m not afraid of responsibilities’

The thing is, Szoboszlai is completely unconcerned by such pressure. On the contrary, he seemed to enjoy it, which is why he took Gerrard’s No.8 shirt without hesitation.

“That’s his mentality,” Costantino explained. “It’s a big responsibility, but Dominik isn’t afraid of it.” So all he needs is the supporters’ backing.”

If the countless Szoboszlai-inspired songs we’re expected to hear at Molineux on Saturday are any indication, he already has that.