Liverpool just confirmed Mohamed Salah fix but Jürgen Klopp still has clear transfer need

Dominik Szoboszlai could cover Mohamed Salah at times on the right wing for Liverpool, but the Egyptian international has one trait that cannot be replaced.

Dominik Szoboszlai is Jürgen Klopp’s second signing of the summer window. Aged just 22, he will rejuvenate Liverpool’s engine room for years to come, with supporters keen to explore his biggest qualities over the last few days.

Szoboszlai has a whole host of prominent elements attached to his game from technical expertise to a remarkable ability when striking the ball with great power and accuracy, but one of his most obvious perks is his versatility. He has experience occupying numerous different roles in recent times, and Klopp will surely value such tactical flexibility at Anfield.

Across his last two campaigns competing in the Bundesliga, Szoboszlai has played on the left and on the right of the pitch, occupying roles in central midfield and on the wings. He’s painted himself as the ultimate blank canvas, and one who is capable of performing to a high level regardless of where he’s deployed.

It is reasonable to suggest that he will primarily be fielded as Liverpool’s right-sided number eight on Merseyside. Klopp has used Jordan Henderson and Harvey Elliott in the role since changing his tactics in April, but Szoboszlai is simply more equipped to cope with the demands of the position.
In addition to occupying that spot in the team, though, many supporters are expecting the Hungary captain to fill another void next season. Simply put, Liverpool does not have a genuine cover option for Mohamed Salah on the right flank, and that is where Szoboszlai could help.

The Egyptian international is known for his superhuman availability and consistent injury record, but even the very best need to have a break every now and then. When that time comes, it remains to be seen whom Klopp will select to temporarily take his place in the team, but his new signing could be a possible solution.

Szoboszlai has mainly been used as an advanced midfielder over the past year, but he was also fielded as a wide forward on the right whenever Marco Rose decided to adopt 3-4-3 at RB Leipzig rather than his customary 4-2-2-2 shape. The Red Bull star has the qualities to help Klopp when he’s forced to rotate his talisman, which could come in very handy when Salah heads off to the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of 2024.

But Salah has one trait that Szoboszlai cannot replace.

The Reds number 11, unlike all of his Anfield teammates in the final third, is left-footed. The Egyptian international is different in that sense, as Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez and even new signing Alexis Mac Allister prefer to use their right foot on the pitch.

It is a very subtle detail, but one that can have quite an impact. Salah’s preference to use his left foot has consistently allowed Liverpool to pose a threat from all angles over the past six years, with those players generally less common in comparison to right-footed players at the pinnacle of the sport.
After many years on English shores, Salah has developed a reputation for cutting inside from the right wing and finding the far corner of the net with his left foot. He simply wouldn’t be able to execute his signature move if he was right-footed, which is why Szoboszlai can be little more than an overnight fix for now.

The 22-year-old midfielder can certainly do a job in place of Salah when Klopp needs him, but when it comes to Liverpool finding a true heir to his throne, the name of that player remains unknown at present and, upon inspection of the landscape across Europe, Salah is a rare breed.

Few players on the planet can couple speed with creativity, an obsession with scoring goals, a flawless injury record and a preference to use their left foot, which captures why Salah is a one-off. Szoboszlai can perform as his deputy every now and then, but Liverpool will have to continue searching the market to find a real clone.
Liverpool’s latest signing, Dominik Szoboszlai, has said he is excited to be given the No. 8 jersey because he is a fan of England legend Steven Gerrard, who donned the shirt for the Reds.
The Hungarian midfielder joined Liverpool from German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in a €60 million deal on Sunday.

Shortly after arriving at Anfield, it was revealed that Szoboszlai would wear the No. 8 jersey.
He said it was a great number because it was his idol, Steven Gerrard’s number, at Liverpool.

“I will be number 8 as I have a tattoo of Steven Gerrard. That was the reason. He was one of the biggest when I was a child,” Szoboszlai said shortly after penning a five-year deal with Liverpool.

The Hungary captain also relished his move to the Premier League.

I’m joining a historical, top club. I’m very happy. The last three or four days went really long; it was not that easy!” he said.

“I’m here finally, and I really want to tell Liverpool fans that I can’t wait to see them at Anfield. I can’t wait to get started.