Liverpool opened the 2024/25 season perfectly, sitting at the top of the Premier League and winning four from four innings.
Under Arne Slot, they quickly showed resilience and attack, but the journey was not without its flaws.
Three times this season against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Atletico Madrid – the Reds slipped a two-goal lead. Perhaps most special is the Ling Moha strike at St James Park.
It was characterized by his ability to find critical moments at his dying stage.
The 93rd minute strike against Atletico was Liverpool’s fourth goal, scoring in all competitions this season in stoppage time, highlighting the winning mentality that brought them to the second Premier League crown last season.
Dominik Szoboszlai was the center of the team’s fluid play, but it is another player who increasingly embodies the leadership associated with Great Stephen Gerrard.
Szoboszlai: Creative Hub and Tactical Modifications
Szoboszlai’s season didn’t start smoothly.
Slot publicly criticized him for his role in Bournemouth’s opening goal with a 4-2 victory at Anfield over the opening weekend.
But since then, the 24-year-old has been dealing with consistent excellence and versatility.
Last season, Hungary involved the campaign with 12 goals. This reminded me of his worth in the final third. His numbers reflect a midfielder who drives mercilessly forward:
Szoboszlai – Season 2024/25 | |
|---|---|
Progressive carry is about 90 carry | 2.60 |
Progressive Passes per 90 | 4.73 |
Shot creation actions per 90 | 4.30 |
Passing completion rate | 84.3% |
Progressive Passage Distances per 90 | 131.4m |
Source: FBREF | |
These metrics draw pictures of players who not only initiate offensive movements, but also maintain them with accurate passing and clever movements.
His decisive 30-yard free kick against Arsenal was an outstanding moment of Liverpool’s season so far, sealing off a 1-0 victory that kept the perfect record intact.
What makes Szoboszlai even more valuable is his tactical adaptability.
Against Newcastle, he was buried in the right back as Liverpool extends to St James Park and was barely wrong all night. When Arsenal came to town a few weeks ago, he did the same.
This flexibility makes him a manager’s dream – a midfielder who can influence the game with both creativity and discipline.
As many experts have, comparing Szoboszlai to Gerrard is fascinating, but this season he has served as an alternative to Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz.
Wirtz has struggled to adapt since the arrival of the high-profile Premier League, but Szoboszlai thrived in high pressure situations and strengthened the reason why Liverpool chose him as the midfield centerpiece.
That said, Hungarian International is still not as iconic as Gerrard.
Liverpool’s new gelard
If Szoboszlai is the creator of Liverpool, then the leader of Virgil Van Dijk Isir.
At 34, the Dutch maintains a huge presence in the back, but this season has added a moment to attack inspiration.
The winner of his suspension time against Atletico represented a player responsible for the decisive moment.
Football analyst Josh Williams described Van Dik as “outrageous” this season, adding that he “takes responsibility like Gerrard.”
Although centre-backs are rarely compared to Liverpool’s most iconic midfielder, the similarities are clear.
Just as Gerrard dragged a game with moments of inspiration into his team, Van Dijk is now doing the same from defense.
Statistically, his influence remains elite, and he introduced it to Atletico.
To light his qualities, Van Dik ranks in the 86th percentile among fellow central defenders for passing completed (91.5%) over the last year, allowing Liverpool to settle down from behind and build.
He is also in the 90th percentile with progressive passes (5.24 per 90).
Defensively, he ruled in the air, earning an air duel of 3.02 per 90, putting him again in the 86th percentile at centreback.
A statistical comparison between Ronald Araújo and Gabriel Magalhães highlights his profile. He is a defender who combines physical control with the progression of elite balls.
However, Van Dijk’s roles are beyond numbers. As club captain, he has signed a contract until 2027, and he is the standard for setting this rejuvenation aspect.
Liverpool’s start wasn’t perfect. Throwing down three leads is a warning sign for teams with ambitions for another title.
However, these set-offs have been countered by players who are willing to step up at the critical stage.
Szoboszlai drove a creative rhythm with his overtaking and accidental creation, but Van Dijk showed the authority and timing to decide on the contest late.
Together, they shaped Liverpool’s early identity: the aspects of sparkle, but they rely on its big leader to grab a big moment.
