“He is everywhere” – David Lynch praises Liverpool star after Atletico Madrid win

“He is everywhere” – David Lynch praises Liverpool star after Atletico Madrid win Dominik Szoboszlai Shines as Liverpool Beat Atletico Madrid in Champions League Liverpool have started their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid, and Dominik Szoboszlai provided another reminder of the qualities he can bring to Andoni Iraola’s midfield. Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Liverpool reporter David Lynch was keen to emphasise the scale of Szoboszlai’s contribution. There were flaws to discuss, particularly within Liverpool’s new midfield structure, yet Lynch believes some of the criticism aimed at the Hungarian has become excessive. Dominik Szoboszlai delivers against Atletico Madrid Szoboszlai was named UEFA’s Player of the Match, with Davis highlighting a remarkable statistical performance. He became the first Liverpool player since Philippe Coutinho in 2017 to score, complete more than 50 passes, create at least five chances, complete four or more dribbles and regain possession at least five times in the same match. For Lynch, those numbers reflected a player who influenced almost every area of the contest. “He is everywhere, isn’t he? You can’t fault him for effort,” Lynch told Davis. That assessment was followed by praise for Szoboszlai’s ability to carry the ball, progress possession and recover defensively. Lynch added: “He does a lot of really, really good things,” before highlighting a growing attacking contribution. “He’s getting goals consistently now. He works his socks off on the defensive end.” Szoboszlai’s goal was another important moment. Lynch described it as “a really good finish” and pushed back against some of the more severe judgements of the midfielder. “I just think he’s a very good player who can get even better as well.” Liverpool midfield still needs refinement The discussion became particularly interesting when Davis and Lynch turned towards Szoboszlai’s role in a midfield two. Liverpool are adapting to a different structure under Iraola and Szoboszlai’s enormous physical capacity can occasionally create problems. Lynch identified one specific weakness in the way the midfielder presses. “He’s got such unbelievable running capacity. He can get all over the pitch but sometimes he presses like he’s trying to run through the player.” Photo: IMAGO That aggression can result in Szoboszlai committing himself too early and leaving space behind him. Lynch believes the solution could be relatively straightforward. “For me, that is a simple, simple coaching fix, to just pull that press back a touch a little bit because he sells himself constantly when he’s going in.” The point matters because Szoboszlai’s intensity is one of his greatest assets. Lynch was not suggesting Liverpool should remove that aggression, rather that greater control could allow him to use it more effectively. “Even if you’re not going to nick the ball there, you’re slowing the move down. You’re allowing Liverpool to get set.” Patience required with Szoboszlai under Iraola Perhaps the most significant part of Lynch’s assessment concerned the rush to make definitive judgements about whether Szoboszlai can operate in Liverpool’s midfield two. “Let’s see how it develops. Let’s see if Iraola can coach that into him,” Lynch said. His argument was based on the scale of change taking place at Liverpool. Iraola has introduced a new system and players are being asked to perform different functions. Lynch therefore believes conclusions about Szoboszlai should wait until there is considerably more evidence. “His running is unbelievable really. The ability to get back in when he is beaten, by the way, as well, he’s very good.” For a player who scored the crucial goal, collected UEFA’s Player of the Match award and produced such an extensive statistical contribution against Atletico Madrid, that feels like the central question. Liverpool already know what Dominik Szoboszlai can provide physically and offensively. The next stage is refining his positioning and pressing within Iraola’s midfield structure. As Lynch put it: “Let’s see if Szoboszlai can be coached out of some of those bad habits.”