Dominik Szoboszlai, a midfielder for Liverpool, is amused to be compared to Steven Gerrard but is committed to making his own strides at Anfield.
After joining in a summer transfer worth £60 million (€69 million) from RB Leipzig, the 23-year-old captain of Hungary has already won over many fans in a short period of time.
His limitless enthusiasm and persistent work ethic won over spectators who had grown weary of an old and uninspired midfield during the unsuccessful campaign of the previous year.
However, when you consider his skill with the ball, his passing vision, and his goal-scoring ability, it makes sense to see why there were rumours of “the new Gerrard.”
If his September debut goal against Aston Villa, a left-footed drive from the area’s edge, was impressive, his Carabao Cup goal against Leicester had all the makings of the player whose number eight shirt he currently wears.
“I want to do my own way but of course it feels good if they say I am the new Steven Gerrard,” Szoboszlai stated.
“I have a tattoo from Steven Gerrard what he said a long time ago,” he continued. Szoboszlai has inscribed in Hungarian the Gerrard quotation, which goes, “Talent is a blessing from God, but without incredible will and humility, it is worthless.
“Being the number eight shirt is good because it was worn by some truly amazing players. All I want to do is go on.
“But I just want to be myself and if I can get that big in this club like he was I’ll be really happy.”
There were questions regarding the transfer amount when Liverpool signed the Hungarian from Leipzig in July, activating his release clause.
Nevertheless, there was little risk involved in signing one of the Bundesliga’s most gifted midfielders and the young captain of his nation, according to manager Jurgen Klopp and his scouting team.
While it may not be totally accurate to state that Szoboszlai has rejuvenated Liverpool’s midfield on his own in just a few months, there is little doubt that he has had the most influence given that fellow newcomer and Argentine World Cup winner Alexis MacAllister has been hindered by having to play a defensive midfield role that he is not used to.
The Hungarian had a deep admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo as a child, not because of his skill but rather because of his mindset, which is evident in his early performances.
When asked where he gets his motivation and energy, Szoboszlai replied, “I want to win.
“Even if we are in front I don’t want to concede any goals, that’s why I run. If we are behind I want to score goals, that’s why I run. It is always the reason why you have to run.”
A goal-scoring midfielder has been desperately needed by Liverpool, but the 23-year-old sees beyond the immediate needs.
“I’m going to score if I have to. I will help if it becomes necessary. “I will run the entire length of the pitch if necessary,” he declared prior to Nottingham Forest’s visit on Sunday.
“My goal is to support the team; I’m not here to accomplish anything on my own. I want to win everything, including trophies, to bring Liverpool back to its rightful place in the eyes of the supporters and myself.
“I have room to grow in every area. I’m not a perfect player. Of course, I can accomplish practically anything, but you should always strive to improve and adopt this mindset.
“This is not your finest prime, despite what you may believe. I’m capable of even more.
“This would not have happened if I had any concerns when I arrived. I came here believing that I could succeed, and I am.
“However, I don’t claim to have done anything because I didn’t. It would be premature to claim that. I’m doing it, and perhaps I can continue to do so for a longer period of time.”
Szoboszlai has many admirable traits, but his confidence and self-belief stand out the most.
When asked what he wanted to accomplish this season, he replied, “I want to win everything.” No one will ask you how it feels to be second, even though it is never easy.
“I think like this. I hope this is how everyone thinks.
“Our job must be diligent. Nobody could have predicted how we would start, how fast we got to know one another, or how well it would go when the players (such the seasoned Jordan Henderson and Fabinho) left.
“We support one another. We work as a unit.”
Speaking at a Nike Game On session, Szoboszlai explained that over 8,000 local schoolchildren have had access to a variety of sports over the previous three years because to the program’s partnership with the LFC Foundation.