'At this rate': £60m Liverpool player backed to go head-to-head with Declan Rice for Footballer of the Year
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Liverpool Star Dominik Szoboszlai Backed to Fight Declan Rice for Footballer of the Year
Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool's standout midfielder, is being tipped to challenge Arsenal's Declan Rice for the prestigious Footballer of the Year award amid his exceptional 2025/26 season.[1]
The 25-year-old Hungarian international has been Liverpool's beacon in a challenging campaign marked by collective struggles. In a recent 3-0 FA Cup victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Szoboszlai scored his 10th goal of the season, surpassing his previous best tally from RB Leipzig in 2019-20. His powerful first-time strike—his fifth in eight matches—was set up by teammate Mohamed Salah, who lavished praise on him post-match.[2][3][4]
"This season he is one of the best players in the world," Salah declared to TNT Sports, emphasizing Liverpool's reliance on Szoboszlai for a cup run. "We rely on him so much."[2][3][4] Manager Arne Slot echoed this, agreeing Szoboszlai is among the elite and highlighting his leadership potential, though noting his youth: "He has a lot of attributes already, especially when it comes to leading by example."[2]
Szoboszlai's versatility shines through; with injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jeremie Frimpong, and Conor Bradley, he's excelled as an emergency right-back, delivering man-of-the-match displays against Newcastle and Arsenal. Stats from the Brighton game underscore his dominance: 98% pass accuracy (47/48), four key passes, two clearances, and high duel wins.[4][5] He's earned three Club Player of the Month awards, outpacing Salah's output in goals (10 vs. 7) and assists (7 vs. 8) across more appearances.[3]
Despite Liverpool's woes, Szoboszlai's endless running, defensive workrate, and outrageous strikes—including free-kicks against Manchester City and Arsenal—have made him indispensable. Fans applauded even after his red card versus City.[5] However, clouds loom: Hungary coach Marco Rossi revealed Szoboszlai's "dream" to play for Real Madrid, though Liverpool, contractually secure until 2028, are negotiating an extension.[6][7][8]
At this rate, Szoboszlai's trajectory positions him for individual glory, potentially head-to-head with Rice.[1]
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