Gary Lineker takes issue with one thing which has been said about Dominik Szoboszlai recently

Gary Neville Takes Issue with Szoboszlai-Gerrard Comparisons

In a recent discussion on Sky Sports, pundit Gary Neville expressed strong reservations about the frequent comparisons between Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and club legend Steven Gerrard, calling them premature and overstated[1][2]. The debate has intensified amid Szoboszlai's standout performances in the 2025/26 Premier League season, where he has emerged as a key figure under manager Arne Slot.

Szoboszlai, wearing Gerrard's iconic number 8 shirt, has impressed with his all-around midfield play. In 24 appearances, he has scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists, averaging 1.8 key passes per game, 53.8 accurate passes at 88% completion, and 84.1 touches. His long-range strikes and set-piece prowess shone brightest with a stunning free-kick against Manchester City, hailed by Gary Lineker as "what a hit" and by Alan Shearer as "incredible"[2]. Slot has relied on his consistency, starting him in nearly every match and even deploying him at right-back when needed[1].

Gerrard himself fueled the hype, naming Szoboszlai Liverpool's player of the season so far after a 1-0 win at Sunderland. Despite Florian Wirtz's growing impact, Gerrard insisted Szoboszlai "edges him in terms of consistency," praising his blend of creativity, work rate, and output[2]. Gerrard has also identified Szoboszlai as the current Liverpool player most reminiscent of his own profile, citing similarities in long-range goals, expansive passing, and relentless energy[1].

However, Neville pushed back, arguing that while Szoboszlai shows promise—evident in his role during last season's title win—equating him to Gerrard ignores the latter's extraordinary leadership during Liverpool's trophyless years and the 2005 Champions League miracle[1]. Analysts like Gradient Sports label Szoboszlai an "excellent all-rounder," but Neville warns against overshadowing teammates like Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, who earned PFA Team of the Year nods last season[1]. He draws parallels to Jordan Henderson's early struggles before captaining Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years, urging patience[1].

Neville's critique highlights Szoboszlai's rising stock amid Liverpool's league inconsistencies, where his reliability echoes Gerrard's Anfield authority. Yet, true greatness, per Neville, demands sustained impact over time[1][2].

(Word count: 298)