Dominik Szoboszlai’s industrious performance on Liverpool’s right wing offered a stark contrast to Mohamed Salah’s recent displays, highlighting the defensive responsibility Arne Slot demands from that position. The Hungarian international’s selection ahead of the Egyptian star proved crucial to Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over West Ham, providing the defensive cover that had been sorely lacking in recent games.
Szoboszlai’s primary task was protecting right-back Joe Gomez, who was making his first start of the season despite requiring a knee injection last week. The former RB Leipzig midfielder executed these defensive duties diligently, tracking back consistently and ensuring Gomez wasn’t left isolated against West Ham’s attacking players. This represented a significant departure from Salah’s approach, which has increasingly left Liverpool’s right flank exposed.
The tactical adjustment addressed Liverpool’s most pressing concern: defensive vulnerability. Having conceded three or more goals in three consecutive matches for the first time in 75 years, Slot recognized that fielding a flair player who leaves his full-back exposed had become an unaffordable luxury. Szoboszlai’s work rate and positional discipline provided the foundation for Liverpool’s first clean sheet in league football for some time.
While Szoboszlai didn’t provide the attacking threat that Salah offers, his contribution to team shape and balance proved more valuable in current circumstances. The 4-2-3-1 formation relies on wide players contributing defensively as well as offensively, and Szoboszlai’s understanding of these responsibilities made the system function more effectively than it had with Salah in that position.
For Liverpool moving forward, Szoboszlai’s performance raises important questions about team selection. Can they afford to field Salah if it compromises defensive stability? Or does the Egyptian’s attacking output justify the defensive risk? Slot’s decision to bench his star player suggested he has made his choice, prioritizing collective balance over individual brilliance. Whether this approach persists remains to be seen, but against West Ham, it proved effective.
32