Dominik Szoboszlai pattern is too STRANGE for Arne Slot to ignore

Dominik Szoboszlai has developed a very interesting pattern that gives Arne Slot something to think about. The secret to unlocking the Hungarian may not be an easy one.

Dominik Szoboszlai got his first Premier League goal of the season on Sunday as he opened the scoring for Liverpool against Southampton. The midfielder curled it home beautifully with his left foot after the Saints essentially presented him with an opportunity on the edge of their own box.

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It's something Szoboszlai needs to do more of, of course. This wasn't just his first Premier League goal of the season but his first since February.

Just four goals so far in the top flight since moving to Liverpool - a return that's simply not good enough from a key player. The Reds need more from him and we know Szoboszlai has the talent to do just that.

But an interesting pattern has emerged that certainly gives Arne Slot food for thought. The Hungarian appears to play better without a star teammate.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold

Can Szoboszlai play his own game when Trent Alexander-Arnold is in the side? It's starting to look like he's more at home without the Scouser.

Five of Szoboszlai's last six goals, after all, have come when Alexander-Arnold wasn't in the team. Now, it's a small sample size and certainly, he's had chance to score with his teammate on the pitch, but it's a notable pattern.

Possible reasons? Maybe Alexander-Arnold simple uses more of the ball, limiting Szoboszlai's time with it. Or maybe the Scouser's advanced position forces his teammate to drop back as cover too often.

It's difficult to say definitively but there's no denying that Szoboszlai at least has better luck with Alexander-Arnold missing. And given the latter is battling an injury, this does present Slot with a chance to test things out.

But we shouldn't limit his efforts against Southampton to just the goal. Szoboszlai also won four tackles, created three chances and completed 89% of his passes.

It was a brilliant all-around display - and one that should really keep him in the team to face Real Madrid this week. Whether Alexander-Arnold plays in that one remains to be seen, and if he's missing, all eyes should be on Szoboszlai.

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