A successful pre-season allowed Arne Slot to tinker with his Liverpool midfield. He used both Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai as the most advanced midfielder, to great success. Elliott in particular was one of the star players of pre-season. His performances were so strong that fans have called for him to start ahead of the more experienced Szoboszlai. Who will Slot choose to start in midfield for the season opener against Ipswich, and what are the Dutchman’s other options?
Harvey Elliott or Dominik Szoboszlai: Who Will Arne Slot Start in Liverpool Midfield?
Elliott Demonstrates Flair
Elliott showed talent under Jurgen Klopp but never found his best position in the team. He struggled out wide due to his lack of pace and weak right foot, while his technical prowess was wasted in a more workmanlike midfield.
However, the new manager is eager to give his midfielders more creative freedom, playing directly into Elliott’s hands. This was evident during his pre-season performances against Arsenal and Manchester United.
His standout outing came against the Gunners, where his two assists opened up the defence. The second, a chipped ball to Fabio Carvalho, was a clear statement of his ability to unlock stubborn defences.
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His pass broke through a well-organised back line with little space in behind to find Carvalho’s run. The pass was weighted perfectly, and Liverpool will need key passes like this in the Premier League. They will expect to come up against many opponents who will sit back and close the space for runners.
When in the centre of midfield, Elliott can control the game. His quick feet mean he can receive and retain possession high up the pitch, drawing in opponents to create space for fellow attackers.
Furthermore, he is only 21 years old. He still has time to realise his potential and Slot can mould Elliott into the type of midfielder he wants. Slot’s new midfield is begging for a natural playmaker and Elliott fits the bill perfectly.
Szoboszlai Offers Reliability
Szoboszlai was a mainstay in the Liverpool midfield during his debut campaign last year. He made 25 league starts – only five players made more – and was integral to their title challenge.
He was one of the top midfielders in the league for shots, progressive passes and progressive carries, according to FBref. This underlines how the Hungarian can adapt to fill this position for Slot. Moreover, it is a role that he has thrived in for his country, where he is already captain despite his age.
Szoboszlai has had a more turbulent pre-season than Elliott. He missed the latest friendly versus Manchester United due to fatigue and returned late due to international duty. This could mean that he might be eased into the starting lineup more slowly. However, Szoboszlai will hope to establish himself as the beating heart of Liverpool’s midfield.
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Szoboszlai tends to create using defence-cutting passes rather than individual skills. Last term, he demonstrated this from a deeper position on the right side of midfield. Whilst he only made three league assists last year, his incisive passing led to quick build-up play for the Reds and allowed the team to progress quickly up the pitch.
Szoboszlai also offers a goal threat. His right foot is lethal from range. He is also a dangerous set-piece taker. His abilities were not best utilized under Klopp as he rarely found himself in space at the edge of the box.
However, under Slot, the midfielder will find himself in more advanced positions. Should the opposition defence sit back to protect against his through balls, he can shoot from range, capitalising on the extra time on the ball.
What Are Slot’s Other Midfield Options
Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch have been touted as other options, but the Dutch coach opted to play them further back in pre-season. Slot will rely on their creativity from a deeper point in midfield for Liverpool.
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Fabio Carvalho had an excellent pre-season and prefers to play centrally. He was a goal threat against Arsenal and United but is linked with a move away. Furthermore, he has little first-team experience with the Reds, so is not in a position to start regularly.
Alternatively, Liverpool could use one of their forwards. Players like Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo could play in attacking midfield. However, Slot did not trial Jota in this position and Gakpo showed his strength mostly as a wide player for the Netherlands.
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Currently, it looks like a two-horse race for the number 10 spot. Whilst Elliott might initially take the role, as Szoboszlai might be lacking match fitness, Slot will undoubtedly rotate between players as the fixtures become more congested.
Overall, this midfield debate is a fantastic problem for Liverpool to have. Both players will push each other to perform better and can be used in different match scenarios. There is no reason why both Elliott and Szoboszlai can have stand-out seasons under Slot.
