'There are a few' - Szoboszlai heard of issue regarding Liverpool players

Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has admitted he was told some Liverpool players were happy just sitting on the bench instead of playing before he arrived at Anfield.

The 23-year-old made the £60m move to Merseyside in the summer, joining from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig after the Reds triggered his release clause.

The Hungarian has settled quickly at the club and has been one of the Reds' standout performers this season in a new-look midfield.

Szoboszlai has already featured 14 times for Liverpool this campaign, making vital contributions in the Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup and providing two goals and two assists in all competitions.

Having previously spoken about his willingness to win everything with the Reds, the former Leipzig man has soaked up the adoration of Liverpool supporters due to his technical prowess and strong work ethic.

Szoboszlai has been fit and raring to go for Jurgen Klopp since his arrival, however, the 36-cap international has admitted that he was told that others at the club didn't share his desperation to play before he arrived on Merseyside.

Speaking to journalist Mark Soos, Szoboszlai said: "Everyone wants to get into the starting XI, that’s normal and that’s how it should be the goal in every team.

"Who is satisfied with sitting on the bench? I’m going to be honest, there are a few. Actually, before I came here, there were some here [Liverpool] as well. I won’t name names, but I heard about it."

While Szoboszlai refused to namecheck those happy with a role on the bench instead of in the starting lineup, some have speculated that he was speaking of players like Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, both of whom seldom featured for the Reds towards the end of their Liverpool careers.

While both Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain struggled significantly with injuries during their time at Anfield, they often left supporters frustrated due to their lack of availability.

In fact, the midfield duo only made 13 appearances each for Liverpool last season, many of which came from the bench.

While there has been a mixed reaction to Szoboszlai's comments, with some suggesting his statement was somewhat disrespectful, it's difficult to argue against the 23-year-old.

Let's hope that Szoboszlai can continue to make telling contributions from the starting lineup and that his determination to play every game propels Liverpool to success this season.