Vladimir Smicer says Liverpool have a ‘complete’ player who reminds him of past Ballon D’Or winner
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He can play many positions and he’s still good, so it’s a priority to keep him.“Liverpool cannot lose him. He’s got a big heart, he’s fighting, he’s pressing, he’s running, he’s a quality player, he’s a very complete player, can do everything, he can score goals.
“For me, he’s definitely the player to build the team with him or around him. He’s a very, very important part of the team.
Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustA massive compliment from Smicer towards SzoboszlaiFor younger Liverpool fans, it’s worth noting that Smicer’s comparison of Szoboszlai to Nedved is a major compliment – the latter won the Ballon D’Or in 2003, the same year in which he starred for the Juventus team which reached the Champions League final (which he missed through suspension).He was also the star of the Czech Republic side which had arguably been the strongest team at Euro 2004, only to go off injured in their semi-final defeat to eventual champions Greece, and many felt that the Czechs would’ve triumphed had he not been forced off in that fateful match. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)Many of the qualities that he possessed in his prime (as outlined by Smicer) are also exhibited by the Reds’ current number 8, who combines an industriousness in midfield with sublime playmaking abilities and a knack for astounding goals.As terrible as this season has been for Liverpool, it’s frightening to think of how much worse off we’d be if we didn’t have Szoboszlai, who thankfully has been available for all but two matches (both due to suspension).Indeed, if you take away his goals, the Reds would have four fewer points in the Premier League and would currently be eighth in the table.Smicer played alongside a man who was deemed the best player in Europe 23 years ago, so he knows world-class talent when he sees it.