Unimpressed Arne Slot confirms talks with Dominik Szoboszlai after 'sloppy' Liverpool error
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Unimpressed Arne Slot Confirms Talks with Dominik Szoboszlai After 'Sloppy' Liverpool Error
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed ongoing contract discussions with star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, amid impressive performances in the 2025/26 season, despite recent team struggles and a specific 'sloppy' error that drew criticism.[1][2][5]
Slot's comments come after Szoboszlai faced accusations of being 'disrespectful' during Liverpool's 4-1 FA Cup victory over Barnsley, where the Hungarian international was highlighted for a moment of indiscipline. Slot addressed the claim directly, defending his player while expressing dissatisfaction with lapses in focus that he labeled as 'sloppy'. This incident underscores broader concerns about the team's identity under Slot's tenure.[1][3]
Despite these issues, Szoboszlai has emerged as one of Liverpool's standout performers. FotMob statistics rank him highly with an average Premier League rating of 7.32, just behind Ryan Gravenberch's 7.43. His advanced metrics shine: dispossessed only 0.7 times per 90 minutes (87th percentile), 47.5% duels won (74th percentile), 50% aerial duels won (86th percentile), and strong recovery rates.[2]
| Player | Average Rating (Premier League 2025/26) |
|---|---|
| Ryan Gravenberch | 7.43 |
| Dominik Szoboszlai | 7.32 |
| Cody Gakpo | 7.23 |
Interest from clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich has been rebuffed, with reports of an "agreement in principle" for a new long-term deal. Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool's readiness to negotiate formally, crediting Szoboszlai's reliability since his RB Leipzig days and his role in transforming the midfield alongside Mac Allister and Gravenberch.[2][5]
Slot has voiced concerns over injury updates and breaking down defenses, placing responsibility on his staff to resolve the team's issues. Szoboszlai himself deferred fixes to the coaching team amid frustrations.[3][4] This extension signals Liverpool's commitment to their midfield core amid a transitional phase.
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