Szoboszlai silences critics with stunner in Liverpool win over Tottenham

Dominik Szoboszlai answered recent scrutiny with a decisive display in Liverpool’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham on Tuesday, driving home a spectacular strike from distance as the Reds booked a fourth-round meeting with Chelsea.

Szoboszlai responds after Spurs statement

The Hungary international had faced questions over his recent form after a difficult Premier League outing against Fulham last weekend, when he won only one of his 10 duels in a goalless draw.

But Szoboszlai was Liverpool’s leading figure against Spurs and said his goal was for those close to him, rather than a direct response to critics.

• “Was there criticism? I did not know about it, but thank you for telling me,” Szoboszlai said.
• He added that the Spurs goal was dedicated to the people who remain beside him.
• “We are human, so we can have a bad game,” he said.

Midfield role continues to shift

Andoni Iraola’s arrival has brought a more fluid shape to Liverpool’s midfield, with Szoboszlai used across several positions. The 23-year-old has been asked to combine intensity, tactical discipline and positional flexibility as the side adapts to the manager’s approach.

Szoboszlai said the team’s structure is not simply built around two central midfielders sitting alongside each other. Instead, Liverpool operate with a No. 6 deeper in the pitch, a No. 8 further forward and an advanced No. 10.

• Szoboszlai played as a No. 8 against Fulham.
• He has also featured at right-back, No. 6, No. 10 and on the right wing.
• His ability to cover different jobs has been important amid injuries and tactical adjustments.

The midfielder rejected the idea that one poor result in the duel count should define whether he can play at the base of midfield. He said he could win eight of 10 duels in the next match and suddenly be viewed as a strong No. 6, stressing that judgement must be balanced.

Bournemouth is the immediate target

Liverpool now have a cup tie against Chelsea to come, but their next priority is Sunday’s Premier League fixture with Bournemouth. Szoboszlai is likely to be under pressure to carry his Tottenham level into that contest.

He insisted that difficult individual or collective displays are inevitable at a club of Liverpool’s level, but said the decisive factor is the response in the following game.

“You have to leave the past behind and move on to the next one,” Szoboszlai said. “The reaction is what matters.”