Dominik Szoboszlai admits his strong start at Liverpool set unrealistic expectations

After an excellent start to life at Liverpool following his summer move from RB Leipzig, the second half of the season hasn’t been plain sailing for Dominik Szoboszlai.

Szoboszlai's arrival initially offered an enormous energy boost for Jurgen Klopp's midfield, addressing a glaring deficiency that had been keenly felt the season prior.

But despite starting all but eight of the first 29 matches, Szoboszlai struggled to replicate his early-season form upon his return from injury.

The Hungary captain’s momentum was interrupted by two separate spells on the sidelines due to a recurring hamstring injury, sidelining him for a total of 10 games.

His playing time has since decreased, with the midfielder completing 90 minutes just twice since the beginning of March.

Szoboszlai's flying start created unrealistic expectations

Now, the 23-year-old has acknowledged that his initial performances, which were followed by a noticeable dip in form, may have created unrealistic expectations.

Reflecting on his season, Szoboszlai told MLSZ TV, "Perhaps I set the bar too high.

"Because I think there were certain matches where I couldn’t bring out the best in myself."

Having gone from a nailed-on starter on the right-hand side of Klopp's midfield three, Szoboszlai has now found himself limited to cameos and playing second fiddle to the likes of Harvey Elliott.

However, the number 8 isn't fazed by this: “Sometimes there are times when you don’t play well and, in some people’s eyes, you’re the worst player on the pitch

"But this is not a problem because we get through these things together.”

'You don't have as much time to think' in the Premier League

According to the Hungarian, his recent bad form can be put down to the difficulties transitioning from the Bundesliga to the Premier League.

"The Premier League is quicker," he said. "Here, you don’t have as much time to think as in the Bundesliga."

“Here, you really need to know what you’d like to do with the ball before you receive it because if you don’t, you pretty much have no chance.”

But despite his late-season issues, Szoboszlai has nonetheless amassed 43 appearances across all competitions and can be proud of contributing seven goals and four assists in his first season in England.

With two games remaining, attention turns to how Liverpool's midfield running machine will be utilised in the upcoming season under manager Arne Slot.