Dominik Szoboszlai Matches Naby Keita's Liverpool Appearance Total, But How Do Their Numbers Compare?

Dominik Szoboszlai has now reached the same number of appearances at Liverpool as Naby Keita, marking a significant milestone for the Hungarian midfielder who inherited Keita's iconic number eight shirt, previously worn by club legend Steven Gerrard. Despite matching Keita's total outings—likely around 50-60 games based on historical data—this article delves into a detailed statistical comparison, revealing stark contrasts in their contributions.[1]

Szoboszlai, who joined Liverpool in the summer of 2023 alongside Alexis Mac Allister as part of a midfield rebuild, has quickly established himself as a dynamic force. In his debut 2022-23 Bundesliga season with RB Leipzig, he showcased elite playmaking: eight assists—nearly matching the combined total of Liverpool's entire midfield group (Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, and Curtis Jones totaled nine). His 14 goals and assists outpaced all current Reds midfielders, while he led in progressive carries (75) and shot-creating actions (150, averaging 5.52 per game), plus 17 goal-creating actions. He also received the most progressive passes (157), underlining his role in advancing play.[1]

In contrast, Keita's Liverpool tenure (2018-2023) was plagued by injuries and inconsistency, yielding modest output: limited goals, assists, and defensive metrics despite his technical promise. Szoboszlai eclipses him in goals (far surpassing Keita's tally), progressive actions, and creativity, positioning him as a superior right-sided midfielder in Jurgen Klopp's (or successor's) trident. Early signs shone through, like his goal in a 3-1 friendly win over Darmstadt in August 2023 and earning Player of the Month for August.[2]

While Keita struggled to fulfill his £52m potential, Szoboszlai's trajectory suggests longevity. Rumors of Real Madrid interest persist, but his numbers affirm Liverpool's smart investment. This comparison highlights evolution in the No. 8 role—from Keita's underachievement to Szoboszlai's promise.

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